The Veteran's claim for service connection of osteoarthritis of the knees was denied. For his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the hands and wrists, he is granted a 10% rating for each hand and wrist, but not higher.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support a direct relationship between the Veteran's knee osteoarthritis and service or service-connected disability. The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence was against the claim.
- Claimed conditions
- osteoarthritis of the knees, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the hands and wrists
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- June 19, 2014
- Citation
- 1427966
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 1427966.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee meniscal tear and osteoarthritis of other joints, including neck, shoulders, left hip, hands, and feet, are related to his service-connected conditions. The claims for these conditions have been remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current osteoarthritis of the knees clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service. The examiner is asked to provide a clear opinion on this matter.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the knees and thoracolumbar spine, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 40 percent rating for lumbar spondylosis is dismissed. The Board also granted the Veteran a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.
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