The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for traumatic arthritis of the right and left knees, as well as a separate rating for residuals of partial meniscectomy of the right knee, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed limited range of motion but no additional functional loss during flare-ups or repetitive use. The Veteran's symptoms were consistent with a 10 percent rating for each knee and residuals of partial meniscectomy, which warranted a separate 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5259.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic arthritis of the right knee, Traumatic arthritis of the left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 10, 2021
- Citation
- 21013863
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21013863.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran was granted ratings for his left and right knee disabilities, as well as special monthly compensation and TDIU.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran withdrew his appeal of the issues related to traumatic arthritis of the right knee and post-operative ligament injury of the right knee at a hearing before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge. New and material evidence was received to reopen claims of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and left knee disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and non-compliance with previous remand directives. The claim is being returned for further development.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's use of his VA-issued left knee brace for his service-connected traumatic arthritis of the left knee is causing wear and tear on his clothing, leading to frequent replacements. The Board has granted a clothing allowance for 2013 based on this issue.
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