The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for instability as a residual of status post meniscectomies and ACL reconstruction of the left knee, and for left knee post-traumatic degenerative changes associated with status post meniscectomies and ACL reconstruction of the left knee. The RO/AMC found that the evidence did not support an increase in disability rating beyond 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records showed slight instability but no significant change in range of motion or functional impairment, which was consistent with a 10 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 5257 for instability of the knee. The MRI also indicated mild sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament graft and tear of the medial meniscus, which were not sufficient to warrant an increase in disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Instability, Left Knee Post-Traumatic Degenerative Changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 9, 2007
- Citation
- 0700617
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 0700617.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been rated and denied for increased ratings, with some conditions receiving specific disability ratings. The Veteran is granted a 60% rating for her total right knee replacement from September 4, 2015 onwards, but the other claims are denied.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board will consider all submitted evidence, including any new evidence provided by the Veteran.
- Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 40 percent for limitation of extension, effective December 18, 2025. The Veteran also received separate ratings for instability and dislocation of semilunar cartilage.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's hypertension, left knee flexion limitation, and instability of the left knee are all rated at their maximum allowable under VA regulations. The right knee scar is not compensable. The Board has remanded for further examination to determine the severity of these conditions without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
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