The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right and left knee degenerative joint diseases were denied as the evidence did not show that the disabilities warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to February 25, 2014, and March 5, 2013 respectively.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's knees were rated based on painful motion due to degenerative arthritis. The VA examinations did not show any subluxation or instability that would warrant a higher rating under DC 5257. Flexion was limited to less than 45 degrees and extension was limited to less than 10 degrees, which do not meet the criteria for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Degenerative Joint Disease, Left Knee Degenerative Joint Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 11, 2018
- Citation
- 1802059
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 1802059.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus and dismissed the claim for service connection for right knee degenerative joint disease. The claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, headache disability, and obstructive sleep apnea were remanded.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and tinnitus. The claims for increased ratings for right shoulder degenerative arthritis, thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative joint disease, and right knee degenerative arthritis were denied. An effective date of April 23, 2021, was granted for the award of a 100 percent evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a VA examination to determine the impacts of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his ability to care for himself and his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability has been rated at a 60 percent rating since June 2016, which includes chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness. The maximum available rating for this condition is granted.
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