The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for post-surgical left medial meniscal tear, left knee. The evidence showed subjective complaints and objective findings consistent with a 10 percent disability rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show any instability or subluxation warranting the next higher 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5257, nor was there x-ray evidence of arthritis to support a separate 10 percent rating for removal of semi-lunar cartilage. The veteran's flexion limitation due to pain limited him to 105 degrees, which did not warrant a higher disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- post-surgical left medial meniscal tear, left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 10, 2007
- Citation
- 0713793
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 0713793.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection regarding his left knee, right knee condition, and coronary artery disease require further examination and medical opinion due to a lack of a VA examination in connection with these claims.
- Granted
The Veteran's left ankle disability is granted service connection, and he receives a 10% rating for his right and left knee disabilities based on limitation of motion. Separate 20% ratings are assigned for instability in both knees.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for her left knee disability has been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
- Granted
Service connection for left and right knee disabilities is granted.,An earlier effective date of April 29, 2010, but no earlier, for service connection for a back disability (lumbosacral and thoracic strain) is granted.
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