The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition, an initial rating higher than 10 percent for right knee degenerative arthritis, and an initial rating higher than 10 percent for left knee degenerative arthritis and internal derangement. The claim for a separate rating for left knee instability prior to January 4, 2016 was also denied.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral shoulder condition is not related to service due to lack of documentation of any injuries requiring medical attention during service. His right knee degenerative arthritis and left knee degenerative arthritis and internal derangement were considered part of a diffuse osteoarthritis condition, which was not related to military trauma. The Board also found that the Veteran's instability in his left knee did not meet the criteria for a separate rating under DC 5257.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral shoulder condition, right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis and internal derangement, left knee instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 24, 2017
- Citation
- 1718118
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 1718118.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines was reopened due to new evidence. Service connection is granted for painful scars, but the rating assigned remains at 10 percent. The claims for fibromyalgia and bilateral shoulder disability are denied.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The issues related to service connection for various conditions and disability ratings.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for right knee disability, left knee arthritis, and bilateral knee instability. The decision is based on the Veteran's competent and credible lay evidence regarding the onset of symptoms in service.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection were dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran withdrew his appeal as to the issues of entitlement to increased disability ratings for left foot metatarsalgia, tinnitus, left wrist disability, right foot plantar warts, and for service connection for right foot plantar warts at a September 2024 hearing. Service connection was granted for migraines.
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