The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee and right knee disabilities have been denied. The Veteran's internal derangement of the left knee is currently rated at 20 percent, while his degenerative joint disease of the left knee is rated at 10 percent, and his degenerative joint disease of the right knee is rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The clinical evidence does not support a higher rating for internal derangement of the left knee due to moderate instability. The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left knee is currently rated appropriately based on limitation of motion, and his degenerative joint disease of the right knee warrants only a 10 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Internal derangement of the left knee, Degenerative joint disease of the left knee, Degenerative joint disease of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 8, 2010
- Citation
- 1008395
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1008395.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development to ensure that the severity of the Veteran's bilateral knee disability is accurately assessed without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
- Granted
The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's degenerative spondylosis at L5-S1, left and right shoulder disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, and depressive disorder.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee based on the evidence showing limitation of flexion to 135 degrees and extension to 5 degrees, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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