The claims for service connection for glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis (claimed as left shoulder disability) and right shoulder impingement syndrome with glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis are denied. The claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee and right knee are granted.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence is against finding that the disabilities began during active service or were otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint disease of the left knee, Glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis (claimed as left shoulder disability), Right shoulder impingement syndrome with glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, Degenerative joint disease of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 2, 2019
- Citation
- 19124107
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development to ensure that the severity of the Veteran's bilateral knee disability is accurately assessed without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
- Granted
The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's degenerative spondylosis at L5-S1, left and right shoulder disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, and depressive disorder.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee based on the evidence showing limitation of flexion to 135 degrees and extension to 5 degrees, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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.