The Veteran's initial disability ratings for osteoarthritis of the left and right knees remain at 10 percent, effective October 1, 2011.,Separate 10 percent ratings are granted for symptomatic residuals of removal of semilunar cartilage in both knees.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that there was no additional loss of motion during flare-ups and that flexion would be similarly limited in both knees during a flare-up. The Veteran's symptoms, including intermittent knee locking and recurrent effusion, were noted but did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5003-5260.
- Claimed conditions
- osteoarthritis, meniscus condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 24, 2019
- Citation
- 19181001
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, right hip degenerative joint disease and rheumatoid arthritis with acetabular cyst status post right total hip replacement, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, hypertension, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, fever sores, and a compromised immune system, as the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal for special monthly pension (SMP) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is remanded to ensure that the appellant receives every possible consideration, including a new VA examination.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a left ankle disability, low back disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability as the evidence did not support that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a right knee disability, diagnosed as meniscal tear, osteoarthritis, osteopenia, and resolved medical femoral epicondyle fracture based on aggravation of a pre-existing condition during ACDUTRA.
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