The claims for higher ratings of the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, as well as his TDIU claim prior to April 1, 2014, are denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher rating for either knee disability based on current criteria. The Veteran’s service-connected conditions do not meet or approximate the criteria for any of the higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Right knee internal derangement, post-operative residuals of a lateral meniscus tear, Left knee post-surgical changes in the medial collateral ligament, distal strain of patellar tendinosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19143459
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 remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for his right knee conditions and a TDIU claim due to procedural issues, including the need for issuance of SOC regarding right knee arthritis and reduced rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination for rating purposes, and the Veteran's right knee disability must be re-evaluated.
- Denied
The VA determined that the veteran's right knee condition does not warrant an increased evaluation beyond the current 10 percent rating.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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