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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0916612.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate VA examination reports and issues of bilateral knee instability.
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