The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right chondromalacia patella and torn medial meniscus of the left knee, as well as for effective dates for a higher rating on cervical spine disability and separate ratings for the knees, were denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show additional functional loss due to pain or other symptoms that would warrant an increased rating under any applicable diagnostic codes. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are rated based on their current manifestations without considering aggravation of pre-existing conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Chondromalacia Patella, Torn Medial Meniscus of the Left Knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 11, 2010
- Citation
- 1001678
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1001678.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted for the periods from January 9, 2013 to January 13, 2020, and from May 15, 2020. The Board found that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a TDIU beginning March 22, 2010. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis before March 22, 2010 remains in appellate status.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected right knee chondromalacia patella was granted, with a rating of 20 percent effective March 29, 2003. The decision also noted the presence of a tear in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for PTSD and increased evaluation of left knee disability due to insufficient development, including obtaining military personnel records and verifying stressors.
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