The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by symptomatic removal of the semilunar cartilage and painful flexion, has been granted a non-compensable rating. The Board found that a separate 10 percent rating is warranted for each issue.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner diagnosed the Veteran with degenerative arthritis of the left knee and noted symptoms such as pain at intervals, especially in bad weather, limited range of motion, and flare-ups after prolonged sitting or climbing stairs. The Board found that these symptoms are consistent with a non-compensable rating under DC 5259 for symptomatic removal of the semilunar cartilage and a separate 10 percent rating under DC 5260 for painful flexion.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Meniscal Tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 28, 2017
- Citation
- 1705928
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 1705928.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The reduction of the disability rating for headaches from 50% to 30% is not proper and is void ab initio. Effective dates are denied for various service connection claims.,Multiple issues related to initial disability ratings, effective dates, and earlier effective dates for higher ratings are remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by painful motion and instability, is granted a separate initial rating of 10 percent effective October 21, 2024. The claim for an increased rating for left knee instability remains denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea and back disability, preclude his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment from March 19, 2025.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent and 20 percent for left knee meniscal tear, finding that the Veteran's range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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