The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis, finding that his current condition is at least as likely as not related to his service. The previous denial was based on a lack of medical evidence linking the disability to service, but new and material evidence supports this link.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability is at least as likely as not related to his service due to his continuous, intermittent pain since 1978, which he reported in service. The May 2017 medical opinion supported this finding of nexus.
- Claimed conditions
- right knee meniscal tear, right knee degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 20, 2019
- Citation
- 19187397
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis and granted a separate 20 percent rating for right knee instability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a higher rating for right knee strain to ensure that the estimated range of motion provided for repeated use over time and during flare-ups is sufficient for rating purposes.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left and right lower extremity radiculopathies, left and right hip pain, right knee degenerative arthritis, generalized anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an increased rating of 20 percent for left knee limitation of flexion and a 10 percent rating for right knee limitation of flexion, effective February 24, 2025, while denying ratings in excess of the current levels for both knees.
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.