The Veteran's increased ratings for right and left knee instability are denied.,Increased ratings of 20 percent each for meniscus tear in the right and left knees are granted, effective from November 2016.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support an increase in rating based on instability or additional functional loss due to pain. The Veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5258 (dislocated semilunar cartilage) and 5259 (symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage).
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Instability, Left Knee Instability, Meniscus Tear (right knee), Meniscus Tear (left knee), Dysphagia (esophageal stricture), Urethra Stricture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 20, 2018
- Citation
- 18159754
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18159754.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been rated and denied for increased ratings, with some conditions receiving specific disability ratings. The Veteran is granted a 60% rating for her total right knee replacement from September 4, 2015 onwards, but the other claims are denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right knee strain (painful motion), and right knee instability are now rated at 30 percent effective August 16, 2017.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted a separate rating of 30 percent for right knee instability, but has remanded the issue of an increased rating for right knee disability due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to consider the effects of pain medication.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of representation.
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