The Veteran's claims for higher ratings related to right knee scars and chronic right knee sprain were denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a compensable rating prior to September 11, 2018 or a rating in excess of 30 percent since then for right knee scars. For the right knee sprain, the Veteran was not entitled to an increased rating beyond 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support findings that would warrant higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of painful or unstable scars and functional impairment in the right knee.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Scars, Chronic Right Knee Sprain, Impairment of the Right Knee with Recurrent Subluxation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 26, 2019
- Citation
- 19175158
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 19175158.
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: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of July 13, 2018, for the award of service connection for right knee scars and right knee disability. The appeal is based on a direct finding without any presumption or secondary linkage to another condition.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's right knee disorders, including painful motion and scars, are rated at the minimum compensable level. The claim for a higher rating is denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to conflicting medical evidence regarding the number of right knee scars and whether they have been painful throughout the appeal period.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted separate ratings of 30 percent for right knee limitation of flexion and extension, as well as a rating of 20 percent for right knee instability. The reduction in the Veteran's disability evaluation for her right knee scars was improper, and the 10 percent rating is restored.
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