The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's left and right knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other criteria.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found no evidence of instability or subluxation in either knee, which is required for a separate rating under Diagnostic Code 5257. The Veteran's symptoms were primarily pain and tenderness without additional functional loss due to flare-ups or weakness.
- Claimed conditions
- Left patellofemoral syndrome, Right patellofemoral syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 4, 2020
- Citation
- 20031254
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 20031254.
What this means for you
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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 rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, a rating in excess of 10 percent for right patellofemoral syndrome, and a separate rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee instability due to inadequate VA examinations.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU benefits are granted with an effective date of January 1, 2018, as the evidence shows he was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequacies in the previous knee examination and to consider service connection for a left knee disability on secondary basis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to adjudicate the claims on appeal due to a failure by the RO to comply with previous remand instructions. The Veteran's right foot and left knee disorders are being referred for further examination and opinion.
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