The Veteran's left knee disability, specifically chondromalacia patella, was rated at 40 percent prior to March 1, 2018 and reduced to 20 percent effective March 1, 2018. The reduction from 40 percent to 20 percent is granted as the evidence showed improvement in range of motion.
The deciding factor: The May 2017 VA examination demonstrated an improvement in the Veteran's left knee extension, with a limited range of motion due to pain but no limitation beyond 15 degrees. The April 2019 examination confirmed this improvement and noted that the Veteran had full extension (0 degrees).
- Claimed conditions
- Chondromalacia patella of the left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 4, 2020
- Citation
- 20031075
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 20031075.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a new VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, as well as the issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the lower extremities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of higher ratings for his cervical spine and knee disabilities, as VA examinations were not conducted as requested in a previous remand. The case is being returned to the RO for these purposes.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) as he failed to cooperate with VA's efforts in obtaining information and evidence needed to substantiate his TDIU claim.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral ankle, low back, and knee disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his service-connected pes planus disability. As a result, these claims for service connection have been granted.
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