The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected left knee disability, finding that his condition does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show more than slight instability or limitation of motion in excess of what is required for a 10 percent rating under relevant diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Meniscus tears, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 22, 2005
- Citation
- 0534565
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0534565.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disabilities and for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to a duty to assist error in prior examinations.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability, including an ACL tear and associated symptoms, was granted a 10 percent rating from September 20, 2007 to May 20, 2009.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's left knee disability, including limitation of flexion and extension, instability, and symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage, is currently rated at 20 percent. A separate 10 percent rating for instability and a separate 10 percent rating for symptomatic removal of the semilunar cartilage are granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's ACL tear of the left knee is related to his military service and has been confirmed by recent MRI. The Board grants service connection for residuals of a left knee injury.
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