The Board found the veteran's right knee disorder not productive of severe recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, limitation of flexion of 15 degrees or less, limitation of extension of 20 degrees or more, malunion of the tibia and fibula with marked knee or ankle disability, or ankylosis to a favorable angle in full extension or in slight flexion between 0 and 10 degrees. Therefore, the veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for right knee disorder is denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- torn medial meniscus, chronic anterior cruciate ligament tear, grade IV chondromalacia trochlear groove, grade III chondromalacia medial femoral condyle and lateral femoral condyle, partial medial and lateral meniscectomies
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 27, 2006
- Citation
- 0602512
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee conditions were denied. He was previously rated at 20% for a torn medial meniscus and instability, but the Board found no evidence of more than moderate instability or severe limitation of extension.
- Granted
The veteran's torn medial meniscus and chondromalacia patella, right knee, have been rated at 10 percent since April 25, 1998. His degenerative joint disease, right knee, has also been rated at 10 percent.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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.