The Veteran's left foot disability, right knee strain, and degenerative joint disease of the back have been granted service connection. The Veteran's left knee strain has not met criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's right knee strain has not met criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the back prior to January 22, 2020 and in excess of 40 percent thereafter have been granted service connection.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports the finding that symptoms of the left foot disability began within one year of separation from active service and have continued since. The Veteran's right knee strain and degenerative joint disease of the back were found to be related to his time in service. The Veteran's left knee strain did not meet criteria for a higher rating as flexion was greater than 30 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- Left foot disability (pes planus, hallux limitus), Right knee strain, Left knee strain, Degenerative joint disease of the back
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 6, 2021
- Citation
- 21000744
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21000744.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disability, finding that there was no nexus between his current condition and active duty service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine strain, right wrist sprain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and right ankle strain. The disabilities are all deemed to have begun during the Veteran's active duty.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee condition due to inadequate VA opinions and incomplete record development regarding his National Guard service.
- Denied
The Veteran's VR&E benefits were denied as she did not have an employment handicap and was found to be employable with her current skills, experience, and education. The appeal must be denied.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.