The Veteran's left knee condition was rated as 10 percent prior to June 27, 2014 and denied a higher rating. The current rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs is 50 percent effective December 16, 2019.,The Veteran's bursitis of the right shoulder was rated as 20 percent prior to March 29, 2017 and increased to 30 percent from December 16, 2019.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint changes of the left knee with patellofemoral pain syndrome and chondromalacia, Bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and bilateral heel spurs, Bursitis of the right shoulder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 8, 2021
- Citation
- 21041281
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 21041281.
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 Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been shown to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the claims for increased ratings are denied as his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating under the applicable criteria.
- Granted
The veteran's bursitis of the left and right shoulders are currently rated at 10 percent each, while his lumbosacral strain is rated at 20 percent. The claims for increased evaluations have been granted.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various hand and shoulder disabilities, finding no medical evidence linking these conditions to her military service.
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.