The Veteran's left knee meniscus tear resulted in instability and pain, warranting a 20% disability rating. The TDIU claim was granted effective from August 31, 2010.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports consistently indicated the presence of instability and pain in the left knee, which is sufficient to meet the criteria for a 20% disability rating under Diagnostic Code 5257. The TDIU claim was granted as it became evident that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 31, 2010.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Meniscus Tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 22, 2017
- Citation
- 1705328
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 1705328.
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 reopened the Veteran's claims and granted service connection for a left knee disability and low back disability, both found to be proximately due to his service-connected right knee disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied, with the exception of a separate rating granted for a left knee meniscus tear and meniscectomy surgery. The appeal was also remanded for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's left knee disability, including a meniscectomy and arthritis, is rated at 10% under Diagnostic Codes 5259-5260. The Board has remanded the issues regarding secondary service connection for right hip and left hip disabilities as well as entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, specifically the left and right meniscus tears, have been rated at 20 percent each since September 13, 2011. The ratings are based on their direct service connection without any presumption or secondary linkage to a previously service-connected condition.
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.