The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee disability with lateral instability and degenerative joint disease of the left knee prior to August 20, 2014 were denied as there was no evidence of more than slight instability or significant arthritis.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show more than slight instability in the left knee, and the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5257.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Disability with Lateral Instability, Degenerative Joint Disease of Left Knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 22, 2016
- Citation
- 1637145
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 1637145.
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 has determined that the Veteran's appeal requires remand due to duty-to-assist errors in previous VA examinations and evaluations. The issues of increased ratings for left knee disability, a compensable rating for left knee scar, service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, and TDIU are all remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a disability rating of 70 percent, effective October 17, 2017. Service connection for Degenerative Joint Disease of Right Knee and Left Knee is also granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's increased evaluation claims related to his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, right shoulder disability, sinusitis, and lumbar spine disability. The claims are being remanded for further examination and consideration.
- Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder arthritis and bilateral knee disabilities (degenerative joint disease) are granted as service-connected. The claim for a fracture of the clavicle is denied.
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.