The Board denied initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia patella of the right and left knees, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on functional loss or impairment.
The deciding factor: The VA joints examination showed painful motion but no ankylosis, dislocation, instability, genu recurvatum, or other significant structural abnormalities in either knee. The Veteran's symptoms were primarily related to pain and limited range of motion without evidence of severe disability affecting stability, standing, or weight-bearing.
- Claimed conditions
- Chondromalacia patella, Degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 29, 2014
- Citation
- 1424299
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 1424299.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's right and left knee patella tendon repairs, with painful motion, have been granted increased ratings of 20 percent each. The instability in both knees has also been rated at 10 percent.
- Granted
The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's rating for his right knee disability from 40% to 10% effective October 1, 2019 was proper based on improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right knee disability was denied, and the claim for TDIU was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran's current level of functional impairment did not warrant a higher rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability, including instability, extension limitation, flexion limitation, and joint pain with locking and effusion, has been granted a 30 percent rating since October 16, 2003 to June 23, 2009. The claim for higher ratings is denied.
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