The Board has granted a higher rating of 20 percent for instability as a residual of a partial tear of the right medial collateral ligament of the right knee, effective from November 16, 2001. The initial 10 percent disability rating for degenerative changes of the right knee remains in place.
The deciding factor: The August 2004 VA examination report showed significant degenerative joint disease and a possible medial collateral ligament tear, warranting a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5257.
- Claimed conditions
- partial tear of the right medial collateral ligament, degenerative changes of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 1, 2006
- Citation
- 0602801
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for polymyositis, sleep apnea, type II diabetes mellitus, right and left ankle disabilities, as well as higher initial ratings for radiculopathy of the left sciatic nerve, left femoral nerve, and degenerative changes in both knees.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's 100% disability rating for right knee arthroplasty is maintained, but a 30% rating is granted effective from October 1, 2017. The case is remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination of his right knee.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board denied service connection for degenerative changes of the right knee, as there was no evidence to support a direct link between the Veteran's current condition and his period of active service.
- Dismissed
The veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding all issues on appeal, and the Board has no jurisdiction to further adjudicate or address these claims.
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