The Veteran's left knee disability, including limitation of flexion and extension, instability, and symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage, is currently rated at 20 percent. A separate 10 percent rating for instability and a separate 10 percent rating for symptomatic removal of the semilunar cartilage are granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher rating as the Veteran's left knee disability has been shown to have limited flexion and extension, but no more than slight instability or symptomatic removal of the semilunar cartilage. The symptoms do not meet the criteria for moderate or severe instability or symptomatic removal.
- Claimed conditions
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear, Left Knee Instability, Symptomatic Removal of Semilunar Cartilage
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 2, 2020
- Citation
- 20037806
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 20037806.
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: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been rated and denied for increased ratings, with some conditions receiving specific disability ratings. The Veteran is granted a 60% rating for her total right knee replacement from September 4, 2015 onwards, but the other claims are denied.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board will consider all submitted evidence, including any new evidence provided by the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's hypertension, left knee flexion limitation, and instability of the left knee are all rated at their maximum allowable under VA regulations. The right knee scar is not compensable. The Board has remanded for further examination to determine the severity of these conditions without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 40 percent for limitation of extension, effective December 18, 2025. The Veteran also received separate ratings for instability and dislocation of semilunar cartilage.
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