The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee and foot disabilities did not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to October 31, 2014.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support the Veteran’s contention that his service-connected disabilities prevented all employment prior to October 31, 2014.
- Claimed conditions
- Right knee arthritis, Left knee arthritis, Right knee instability, Left knee instability, Status post bunion surgery, transfer metatarsalgia and hallux metatarsophalangeal degenerative arthritis of the left foot, Status post bunion surgery, transfer metatarsalgia and hallux metatarsophalangeal degenerative arthritis of the right foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- June 20, 2018
- Citation
- 18112969
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 18112969.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of extension and flexion, instability, and meniscus condition, is now rated at 20 percent effective March 7, 2020.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's right leg/knee condition is related to service, including a preexisting condition. The Veteran provided testimony and new medical records that may be relevant.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of extension and flexion, instability, and meniscus condition, is now rated at 20 percent effective March 7, 2020.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the aggravation of a preexisting right knee condition during service. The Veteran's right knee condition was noted prior to service, and the VA examiner concluded it did not worsen beyond its natural progression.
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