The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for postoperative residuals of right knee internal derangement is denied, as the evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of 20 percent. The claim for a higher rating for arthritis of the right knee from October 31, 2008 is also denied, as there is no evidence that warrants a rating in excess of 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's postoperative residuals of internal derangement of the right knee are currently rated at 20 percent under DC 5257 for moderate recurrent subluxation or lateral instability. The arthritis of the right knee is rated at 10 percent under DC 5003, as there is no additional limitation of motion due to pain or other factors not contemplated in the rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Postoperative residuals of internal derangement of the right knee, Arthritis of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 18, 2014
- Citation
- 1436957
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 1436957.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and clarification regarding the severity of the Veteran's left knee and right knee disabilities, specifically to determine if the Veteran has experienced 'the functional equivalent of range of motion loss contemplated by the next higher rating' at any point during the appeal period.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and bilateral tinnitus. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis was denied. Other claims were either granted or remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability and a right knee disability, finding that the Veteran's arthritis of both knees is not related to an injury or disease incurred in active service and has not been caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple back and joint disabilities, resolving all reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
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.