The Veteran's left knee instability is granted at a 20 percent rating, effective from May 4, 2009 to February 11, 2014. The right knee instability and gout of both knees are each granted at a 60 percent rating, effective from February 11, 2014. Rhinosinusitis is granted at a 60 percent rating, effective from August 18, 2017.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's gout of both knees was first indicated in February 2014 and the symptoms were found to be parallel to flare-ups of subluxation. The examiner determined that the Veteran's right knee instability did not rise to moderate levels due to self-correction, while his left knee subluxation was found to be moderate.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Retropatellar Pain Syndrome, Right Knee Sprain, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Gout of Both Knees, Rhinosinusitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 15, 2018
- Citation
- 18150458
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 18150458.
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 granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis (claimed as sinusitis) due to exposure to burn pits during active military service in the Persian Gulf. The claim was denied for an initial compensable rating for kidney stones.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and in excess of 30 percent for rhinosinusitis due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for residuals of testicular cancer and right upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy under the PACT Act, but remanded other issues related to these conditions as well as claims for rhinosinusitis, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the reduction of disability ratings for right and left knee retropatellar pain syndrome was not proper, and has ordered remand to obtain additional evidence and a new examination.
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