The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is not rated higher than the current 10 percent due to lack of limitation of motion or instability.,Service connection for a lower back condition was denied as there is no evidence that it began during service and is not related to any service-connected disability.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or arthritis. The current 10 percent rating adequately reflects his symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Right Knee Osteoarthritis","additional_notes":"Pain, degenerative changes, limitation of flexion (30 degrees), limitation of extension (10 degrees), favorable ankylosis at full extension or slight flexion between 0 and 10 degrees, instability with mild nature"}, {"condition_name":"Lower Back Condition","additional_notes":"Preexisted service, not aggravated by active service or a service-connected disability"}, {"condition_name":"Bilateral Hearing Loss","additional_notes":""}, {"condition_name":"Tinnitus","additional_notes":""}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 1, 2019
- Citation
- 19182771
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 Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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.