The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left knee DJD, finding that the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no evidence of ankylosis or instability in the left knee, and the Veteran’s range of motion was within normal limits with pain noted on examination. The Board considered functional loss due to pain but concluded that it is already reflected in the current rating assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20074191
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 left knee degenerative joint disease, right knee DJD, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, psoriasis, acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, and various other injuries and conditions claimed by the Veteran.
- Remanded (sent back)
The case is remanded for further evidentiary development, including the scheduling of an in-person examination or a retrospective estimate from an examiner based on a review of the records.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent prior to August 20, 2024, and 30 percent thereafter for left knee DJD and entitlement to a TDIU for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for right and left knee degenerative joint disease to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error by providing notice of the Veteran's right to a hearing.
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