The Veteran's subchondral sclerosis of the left knee with osteophyte and effusion is rated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion was found to be within normal limits, without any evidence of ankylosis, muscle weakness, or other functional loss. The VA examiner noted no instability and only moderate recurrent subluxation, which does not warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5257.
- Claimed conditions
- subchondral sclerosis, osteophyte, effusion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 7, 2018
- Citation
- 1828399
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 1828399.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The reduction in the disability evaluation rating for service-connected left knee meniscal tear with osteoarthritis, MCL sprain, effusion, status post ACL repair including limitation of flexion from 30 percent to 10 percent was improper. The 30 percent rating is restored.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right elbow disability is at least as likely as not related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left foot disability. The Veteran's service treatment records show complaints and corn removal surgery, but the August 2023 VA examiner did not consider this evidence in their opinion.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's left knee was granted initial ratings of 20 percent for instability and effusion, but denied a higher rating for Osgood Schlatter's disease with patellofemoral pain.
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.