The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his right knee disorder prior to December 28, 2009 was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 5261 (limitation of extension).
The deciding factor: The VA joints examination showed limited extension but no limitation in flexion.
- Claimed conditions
- patella chondromalacia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 25, 2014
- Citation
- 1412450
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 1412450.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 100% rating for major depressive disorder, SMC based on housebound status, and DEA eligibility is denied. The Board found that entitlement to these benefits arose after October 5, 2020.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for patella chondromalacia and internal derangement of the left knee, and for patella chondromalacia and strain of the right knee.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 50 percent on and after June 27, 2017. The Board has found the evidence does not support a higher rating for this period. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD and the right knee disability remains remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for patella chondromalacia of the right knee, finding that her symptoms have manifested with painful motion but not with ankylosis or other severe limitations.
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.