The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for right knee instability before April 5, 2007 was denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of instability prior to this date based on the objective findings from VA examinations.
The deciding factor: The objective findings from VA examinations conducted in September 2005 and March 2007 did not include a finding of knee instability, despite the Veteran's subjective complaints. The Board concluded that a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5257 was not warranted prior to April 5, 2007.
- Claimed conditions
- Right knee instability, Right knee locking, Right knee effusion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 12, 2014
- Citation
- 1406495
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 1406495.
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 right knee disability, including limitation of extension and flexion, instability, and meniscus condition, is now rated at 20 percent effective March 7, 2020.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of extension and flexion, instability, and meniscus condition, is now rated at 20 percent effective March 7, 2020.
- Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of June 17, 2010 for service connection and separate ratings for right knee instability and left knee instability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the aggravation of a preexisting right knee condition during service. The Veteran's right knee condition was noted prior to service, and the VA examiner concluded it did not worsen beyond its natural progression.
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