The Veteran's service-connected left knee disorder, characterized by a tear of the medial meniscus and frequent episodes of 'locking', pain, and effusion, warrants an initial rating of 10 percent. The right knee disorder is not manifested by dislocation or removal of semilunar cartilage warranting a separate rating based on dislocated semilunar cartilage. The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are manifested by persistent bleeding with secondary fissures, warranting a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The left knee disorder meets the criteria for a 10 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5260 (patellofemoral syndrome) due to its manifestations of dislocated cartilage, frequent episodes of 'locking', pain, and effusion. The right knee disorder does not meet the criteria for a separate rating based on dislocated semilunar cartilage as there is no evidence of such impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Patellofemoral Syndrome of the Left Knee, Patellofemoral Syndrome of the Right Knee
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 16, 2013
- Citation
- 1301840
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 1301840.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 13, 2018.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating, as his hearing acuity levels do not warrant a compensable rating. For the left knee and right knee issues, the case is remanded to obtain updated medical examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current left knee disability is related to service or secondary to his right knee patellofemoral syndrome.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 9, 2021. The Board found that the Veteran was still employed at the time of his appeal.
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