The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left knee instability was granted, and he is currently receiving a 30 percent evaluation. The claim for a compensable rating for his left knee osteoarthritis prior to January 29, 2001, has been granted, with the effective date set at that time. However, the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee osteoarthritis after January 29, 2001, remains pending.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records consistently showed significant degenerative changes to the left knee joint, including chondromalacia patella and arthritis. The Veteran's symptoms of pain, swelling, and limited range of motion were well-documented throughout his appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Left knee instability, Chondromalacia patella, Osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- May 28, 2015
- Citation
- 1522604
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 1522604.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of June 17, 2010 for service connection and separate ratings for right knee instability and left knee instability.
- Denied
The Veteran's right knee strain with osteoarthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on current evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not properly before it due to procedural errors and remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.
- 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.
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