The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disorders are each rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating under Diagnostic Code 5260. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either knee.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations show that the range of motion in both knees is within normal limits (full extension to flexion up to 140 degrees), and there are no findings indicating ankylosis, dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint, or impairment of the tibia and fibula. The Veteran's functional losses do not equate to the criteria required for higher ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5260 and 5261.
- Claimed conditions
- Patellofemoral syndrome, right knee (right knee disorder), Patellofemoral syndrome, left knee (left knee disorder)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 7, 2019
- Citation
- 19184169
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 19184169.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's right knee disability is rated as 10 percent disabling, and the appeal for a higher rating is denied.,For her left knee, the Veteran has been assigned a 10 percent disability rating throughout the appeal period. The claim for an increased rating remains pending.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral Achilles tendonitis and patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee are rated at 10 percent each, but an increased rating is granted for both conditions.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial rating for patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee was denied, as his symptoms prior to April 14, 2010 did not warrant a higher than 10 percent disability rating.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, allergic rhinitis, cervical and lumbar muscle strain, herpes labialis (cold sores), and failure to remove molars. The right shoulder and right and left knee disabilities are denied.
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