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Whole decision: Granted

The veteran's left knee disability, characterized as ACL with MCL tear and partial meniscectomy, was granted a compensable evaluation from July 9, 2001. A higher evaluation of 10 percent was assigned for the period prior to March 25, 2002, due to increased symptoms including pain, swelling, and limited motion. The veteran's disability was rated at 20 percent after August 16, 2002, following his arthroscopic surgery.

The deciding factor: The veteran's left knee disability manifested as pain, swelling, and limited motion, which were considered to be symptomatic of the service-connected condition. The increased symptoms post-surgery warranted a higher evaluation.

Claimed conditions
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) with Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) tear, Partial Meniscectomy
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
January 23, 2008
Citation
0802516

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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0802516.

What this means for you

A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.

What you can do next

Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

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