The Veteran's claims for increased ratings in excess of 20 percent for patellar subluxation of the right knee and in excess of 10 percent for patellar subluxation of the left knee were denied. However, his claims for increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee (limitation of extension) and patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee (limitation of extension) were granted with a 10% rating each.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's knee disabilities did not meet criteria for higher ratings as they did not demonstrate ankylosis, severe subluxation or lateral instability, dislocated semilunar cartilage, removal of semilunar cartilage, malunion or nonunion of the tibia and fibula, or genu recurvatum.
- Claimed conditions
- Patellar subluxation, Patellofemoral syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 19, 2015
- Citation
- 1521345
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 1521345.
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 right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent for limitation of extension, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to limited evidence of additional functional loss.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's right knee disability is characterized by pain and limited flexion to 100 degrees. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a higher rating, as the condition does not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's appeal for further development and consideration due to inadequacies in previous opinions regarding service connection for his right knee disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for patellofemoral syndrome with osteoarthritis of both knees due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination.
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.