The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis was manifested by no greater than complaints of stiffness and occasional swelling; objective findings of pain; effusion; dislocated cartilage; flexion to 95 degrees and extension to 95 degrees, not additionally limited following repetitive use. The criteria for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for left knee arthritis were not met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's flexion and extension of his left knee were never to the extent that they met the rating criteria under DCs 5260 and 5261, and there was no instability found. The provisions of DeLuca v. Brown (38 C.F.R. § 4.71a) regarding functional loss have been considered but are not warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- severe osteoarthritis of the left knee, chronic strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 22, 2017
- Citation
- 1717716
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 1717716.
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 has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional VA examinations and records review, particularly regarding the Veteran's right foot disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for arthritis, other than of the thoracolumbar spine, left shoulder, and left hip due to inadequate VA examination.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disability of the lumbar spine, diagnosed as chronic strain and degenerative arthritis with left lower extremity radiculopathy, is due to injury in service. As such, the criteria for service connection have been met.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral wrist disability, to include chronic strain and ganglion cysts, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.
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.