The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's left knee disability, finding that the current evaluation of 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5257 is not supported by evidence of recurrent subluxation or lateral instability. The RO was asked to consider whether a separate, compensable rating could be assigned under any other diagnostic codes, including those related to arthritis and limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The veteran's left knee disability does not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on Diagnostic Code 5257 (recurrent subluxation or lateral instability) due to lack of objective findings. The RO was asked to consider whether a separate, compensable rating could be assigned under other diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of internal knee derangement, possible patellofemoral arthritis with left knee DJD, small left knee joint effusion, degenerated torn lateral meniscus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 16, 2005
- Citation
- 0507817
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 0507817.
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 claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and further development.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
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.