The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee strain and instability, as well as bilateral pes planus, were denied. The temporary total rating due to convalescence following the right knee surgery was also denied. However, service connection for right knee instability from June 21, 2012 onwards was granted with a 10 percent disability rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right knee strain and instability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of objective evidence of additional limitation of motion or loss of function. The temporary total evaluation based on convalescence following surgery was denied as there were no severe postoperative residuals. Service connection for right knee instability from June 21, 2012 onwards was granted with a 10 percent disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Strain, Right Knee Instability, Bilateral Pes Planus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 9, 2015
- Citation
- 1501131
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1501131.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been rated and denied for increased ratings, with some conditions receiving specific disability ratings. The Veteran is granted a 60% rating for her total right knee replacement from September 4, 2015 onwards, but the other claims are denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right and left knee strains, as well as shin splints, were granted increased ratings. The Veteran also received special monthly compensation at the housebound rate from October 25, 2017 to March 11, 2024.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right knee strain (painful motion), and right knee instability are now rated at 30 percent effective August 16, 2017.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted a separate rating of 30 percent for right knee instability, but has remanded the issue of an increased rating for right knee disability due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to consider the effects of pain medication.
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