The Veteran's right knee disability is manifested by no more than slight instability, and her rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints does not warrant a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran's right knee disability has been characterized by only slight instability, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5257. For her rheumatoid arthritis, while she reported pain and limited motion in multiple joints, there is no indication of more than normal movement or other functional loss that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Status Post Right Knee Injury, Rheumatoid Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 28, 2012
- Citation
- 1229603
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 1229603.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
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- Whole decision: Denied
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- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bilateral upper extremities pain, an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), and squamous cell carcinoma of the anus as secondary to service-connected hepatitis C. However, psoriatic arthritis was denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for eligibility under the PCAFC program due to his ability to perform activities of daily living and lack of need for personal care services.
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