The Board found that the veteran's service-connected postoperative residuals of a ruptured patellar tendon of the left knee warranted a 20 percent rating, which is the maximum schedular evaluation available under Diagnostic Code 5261 for limitation of extension. The condition does not meet criteria for higher ratings due to limitations in flexion or instability.
The deciding factor: The veteran's range of motion was from full extension (0 degrees) to 130 degrees, with no additional loss of function upon repetitive use. There were no findings of severe impairment such as subluxation or lateral instability warranting a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5261.
- Claimed conditions
- postoperative ruptured patellar tendon
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 11, 2006
- Citation
- 0613807
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 0613807.
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
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