The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right knee disabilities have been denied as her conditions do not warrant a higher rating based on the current evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's knee disabilities, specifically patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative joint disease, do not meet the criteria for an increased rating under the applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of objective findings such as swelling or muscle spasm that would support higher ratings based on limitation of motion. X-ray evidence of arthritis is present in both knees but does not provide sufficient basis for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Right Knee Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome with Degenerative Joint Disease (Arthritis)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 30, 2011
- Citation
- 1125011
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 1125011.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus has been restored to a 30% evaluation effective September 1, 2020. The evaluations for right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating.,Right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome are both currently rated at 10 percent. The Veteran seeks increased ratings for these conditions.,Lumbosacral strain is also rated at 10 percent, and the Veteran seeks an increase in this rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, TBI, and cognitive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since July 19, 2023. The Board has granted an earlier effective date for the TDIU with SMC based on housebound criteria.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for clarification of the severity of his bilateral knee and hip disabilities without ameliorative effects of any medication. Additional development may include scheduling a new examination if necessary.
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