The Board found that the veteran's service-connected right knee disability, which was rated as 10 percent disabling since September 1955, did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes. The evidence showed no more than slight recurrent subluxation or lateral instability and occasional pain without frequent episodes of 'locking,' effusion into the joint, or limitation in range of motion.
The deciding factor: The veteran's right knee disability was rated as 10 percent disabling based on symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage (Diagnostic Code 5259) and moderate recurrent subluxation or lateral instability (Diagnostic Code 5257). The July 2002 VA examination did not reveal more than slight recurrent instability, and the veteran's subjective reports of pain were associated with specific activities rather than frequent episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 24, 2003
- Citation
- 0317412
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 0317412.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The September 2006 rating decision denied service connection for a fractured femur and granted service connection for a right knee injury, attributing the latter to permanent aggravation of an existing condition during service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right knee injury is remanded due to a duty to assist error.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of April 1, 2021.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to duty-to-assist errors and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's right knee injury.
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