The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent for the veteran's right knee condition, characterized by significant instability and tears of the ACL and MCL. The decision is based on the severity of these conditions rather than any service connection theory.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations consistently noted significant laxity and instability in the right knee, warranting a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5257 for severe impairment of the knee.
- Claimed conditions
- MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament), ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament), Meniscus Tears
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- February 28, 2002
- Citation
- 0201991
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 0201991.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and meniscus tears with instability, warrants a 20 percent rating for the period prior to July 15, 2009. The claim for an increased rating for instability of the right knee is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's postoperative right knee disability, including arthritis and meniscus tears with limitation of motion, is currently rated at 10 percent. A separate 10 percent rating for medial-lateral instability of the right knee was granted effective from February 1, 2007 to March 23, 2008, and from July 9, 2008.
- Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability, including DJD and meniscus tears, is rated at 10 percent disabling. The temporary total rating for convalescence due to the knee condition has been granted.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, specifically her meniscus tears and degenerative joint disease, warrant a 20% rating as per Diagnostic Code 5260 for limitation of flexion.
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.