The Veteran's appeal for increased evaluations for his left knee disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 10 percent based on either limitation of motion or instability at any point during the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The objective medical evidence did not show flexion limited to 45 degrees or less, extension limited to 10 degrees or more, ankylosis, impairment of the tibia or fibula, or meniscal condition. The Veteran's subjective complaints of pain and instability were not supported by objective findings.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease, Lateral Instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- June 27, 2019
- Citation
- 19150230
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 foot disability and acquired psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, are granted as service-connected.
- Granted
The Veteran's knee disabilities have been rated based on their effects on his ability to perform activities of daily living, with a 30 percent rating for post-operative residuals and a 40 percent rating for limited extension. A separate 10 percent rating has also been granted for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the left and right feet has been granted with a rating of 20 percent each. However, his request for TDIU remains pending as it was not initially addressed by the AOJ.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disability, including osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease, is at least as likely as not related to her military service. The claim for service connection is therefore granted.
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