The veteran's post-operative degenerative joint disease of the left knee is currently rated at 20 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability. The claim is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show flexion or extension limited to a degree so as to warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent under either DC 5260 or DC 5261, and there are no findings of recurrent subluxation or more than mild instability. The veteran's current rating adequately reflects his level of disability.
- Claimed conditions
- post-operative degenerative joint disease of the left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 18, 2002
- Citation
- 0206440
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 0206440.
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 Veteran's claims for increased ratings for post-operative degenerative joint disease of the right and left knees are being remanded due to incomplete treatment records.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and obtaining relevant medical records. The TDIU claim will be adjudicated accordingly.
- Granted
The Veteran's left knee instability is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5257. The post-operative degenerative joint disease of the left knee remains rated at 20 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his left knee disability. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional evaluation.
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