The Veteran's left knee disability has not been manifested by ankylosis, severe subluxation or lateral instability, dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion, symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage, genu recurvatum, a compensable degree of limitation of motion, or impairment of the tibia and fibula. Therefore, the Veteran is not entitled to a rating in excess of 20 percent for chondromalacia of the left patella.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's knee disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code as there is no evidence of ankylosis, severe subluxation or lateral instability, dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion, symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage, genu recurvatum, a compensable degree of limitation of motion, or impairment of the tibia and fibula.
- Claimed conditions
- chondromalacia of the left patella
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 4, 2009
- Citation
- 0916612
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 0916612.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by severe pain and stiffness affecting motion, is granted a 30 percent rating prior to November 26, 2018.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal of the denial of a rating in excess of 10 percent for instability status post hemipatellectomy, left total knee replacement prior to October 14, 2010.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee disability ratings due to incomplete records and need for updated VA examinations. The issues of TDIU have also been raised by the record.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate VA examination reports and issues of bilateral knee instability.
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.