The veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left knee disorder was denied. The RO granted service connection and assigned a 10 percent disability evaluation effective December 10, 2002.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports indicated that the veteran's left knee had some medial laxity but no episodes of dislocation or recurrent subluxation, which precluded higher ratings based on instability or ankylosis. The range of motion was within normal limits with no additional limitations noted after repetitive use.
- Claimed conditions
- Patellofemoral syndrome, Torn meniscus, status post surgical repair with residuals (left knee)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 15, 2008
- Citation
- 0843008
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 0843008.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent for limitation of extension, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to limited evidence of additional functional loss.
- Denied
The Veteran's right knee disability is characterized by pain and limited flexion to 100 degrees. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a higher rating, as the condition does not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's appeal for further development and consideration due to inadequacies in previous opinions regarding service connection for his right knee disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for patellofemoral syndrome with osteoarthritis of both knees due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination.
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.