The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The left knee contusion is rated at 10 percent, while the arthritis with painful limited motion is also rated at 10 percent. There was no evidence of a separate rating based on instability or limitation of extension. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the Veteran's left knee disabilities, including contusion and arthritis with painful limited motion, were rated at 10 percent each based on their respective Diagnostic Codes (5299-5257 and 5010). The Board found no evidence of instability or limitation of extension warranting a higher rating. Additionally, the Veteran's self-limitation during examinations was noted as reducing credibility.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Contusion, Left Knee Arthritis with painful limited motion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20006464
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.
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The Board granted restoration of a 100% rating for PTSD and special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate, effective October 1, 2021, while denying increased ratings for knee contusions and back strain.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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