The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected patellofemoral syndrome/chondromalacia with degenerative joint disease of the left and right knees, as well as instability of the right knee, and low back disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on limitation of motion or other factors considered in rating musculoskeletal disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Patellofemoral syndrome/chondromalacia with degenerative joint disease of the left knee, Degenerative joint disease of the right knee, Low back disability (lumbosacral strain)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 20, 2020
- Citation
- A20008942
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 A20008942.
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 Veteran's right and left knee braces caused wear and tear to his clothing in the year of 2021, leading to a decision granting annual clothing allowances for both knee braces.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Degenerative Joint Disease of the Right Knee as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability, but has remanded the claim for Lumbar Spine Disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to inconsistencies in the January 2022 VA examination reports and a need for clarification regarding the Veteran's intent when filing his Notice of Disagreement. The AOJ is directed to schedule new examinations, obtain retrospective medical opinions, and clarify the severity of the Veteran's disabilities during the relevant period on appeal.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates of April 16, 2021 for the grants of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a low back disability.
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