Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The VA denied initial compensable evaluations for patellofemoral syndrome with malalignment of both the left and right knees, finding no evidence of subluxation or instability that would warrant a rating under Diagnostic Code 5257. The medical evidence did not demonstrate functional impairment sufficient to warrant a separate evaluation based on limitation of motion.

The deciding factor: The VA found no evidence of subluxation or instability in either knee, which is required for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5257. There was also no evidence of functional impairment such as pain, weakness, fatigue, or lack of endurance that would warrant separate evaluations based on limitation of motion.

Claimed conditions
Patellofemoral syndrome with malalignment
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
December 31, 2007
Citation
0740932

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 0740932.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

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.