The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic pain syndrome, increased ratings for postoperative PCL and ACL tears of the left knee with instability, and degenerative arthritis of the left knee were denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of chronic pain syndrome and that the Veteran is already compensated for his left knee pain due to service-connected conditions.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a separate diagnosis of chronic pain syndrome and the Veteran was already receiving compensation for pain related to his service-connected left knee conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic pain syndrome, postoperative PCL and ACL tears of the left knee with instability, degenerative arthritis of the left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 17, 2019
- Citation
- 19179465
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.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for a bilateral knee disability, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and chronic pain syndrome due to untimely notices of disagreement.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral plantar fasciitis, chronic pain syndrome, sciatic radicular pain of both legs, traumatic brain injury (TBI), shin splints of both legs, thoracic spondylosis, right shoulder strain, right wrist strain, acne, and allergic rhinitis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board is remanding the claim for a new VA examination to clarify the current symptoms of the Veteran's chronic pain syndrome.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance, as her need for assistance is not solely due to service-connected disabilities.
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.