The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her left knee injury, which was previously rated at 20%, has been granted and she is now receiving a 10% disability rating effective November 1, 2005. The Board found that the reduction from 20% to 10% did not meet the criteria for restoration of the higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left knee injury demonstrated no sustained material improvement in symptoms and continued to cause locking pain, joint effusion, and limited flexion (50 degrees) despite a reduction in disability rating from 20% to 10%. The evidence did not show an actual improvement in the condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 26, 2011
- Citation
- 1116257
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 1116257.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from December 31, 2014 to the present. The VA Regional Office is required to consider whether any rules concerning finality bar its consideration of TDIU for any period and specify the claim period in its decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to September 12, 2017 is being remanded due to the need for referral to the Director of Compensation Service under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) based on evidence indicating she has been unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since at least April 24, 2013.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee injuries due to a need for further examination and consideration of functional loss factors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection of right and left knee injuries due to incomplete service treatment records. The Veteran's lay statements regarding a plane crash during active duty are considered, but VA examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of his knee disabilities.
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.