The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left knee disability and service connection for a low back disorder were denied. The Board found no evidence of recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of pain, locking, and effusion into the joint, flexion limited to 30 degrees, extension limited to 15 degrees, malunion of the tibia or fibula, or significant symptoms related to a low back disorder. The Veteran's current conditions are attributed to his service-connected left knee disability.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support the presence of the required elements for increased rating and service connection claims.
- Claimed conditions
- Postoperative left medial meniscectomy, Degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20035272
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 20035272.
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).
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