The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, prior to December 15, 2015, was evaluated as noncompensable due to degenerative joint disease. The evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or additional functional loss.
The deciding factor: The clinical records and VA examination reports do not show the Veteran's left knee disability meeting the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating under diagnostic codes pertaining to limitation of motion, as his range of motion was sufficient to avoid such a rating. The presence of degenerative joint disease with painful motion supports a 10 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (left knee)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 11, 2017
- Citation
- 1700865
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 1700865.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's ratings for left and right knee degenerative joint disease have been granted, with separate 10% evaluations for instability. The effective date is not specified as the issue was not addressed in this decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address the Veteran's knee disabilities, including their severity and any associated neurological manifestations. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to provide updated findings on his service-connected bilateral knee conditions.
- Denied
The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent for limitation of motion, and instability. A separate rating for symptomatic removal of the semilunar cartilage has been granted.,The Veteran's left knee disability was previously rated based on limitation of motion, but a separate rating for symptomatic removal of the semilunar cartilage is now in effect.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability was denied. He is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of flexion, with separate ratings for slight instability and symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.