The Board denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left and right knees, as well as a left hip disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct or secondary relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
The deciding factor: The weight of the evidence showed no chronic knee symptoms during either period of service, and the degenerative joint disease in both knees did not have their onset during service and are not otherwise related to active duty service. The left hip disability was also found not to be caused by or aggravated beyond its natural progression by any service-connected disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint disease of the left knee, Degenerative joint disease of the right knee, Avascular necrosis of the femoral head status post left hip total arthroplasty (left hip disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 1, 2021
- Citation
- 21061281
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development to ensure that the severity of the Veteran's bilateral knee disability is accurately assessed without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
- Granted
The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's degenerative spondylosis at L5-S1, left and right shoulder disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, and depressive disorder.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee based on the evidence showing limitation of flexion to 135 degrees and extension to 5 degrees, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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