The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, including patellofemoral syndrome and a partial patellar tear, is rated at 20 percent. The left knee disability, also patellofemoral syndrome, remains at 10 percent. Separate ratings of 10 percent are granted for instability in both knees prior to August 14, 2019. After that date, the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities remain rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence supports a 20 percent rating for the service-connected right knee disability due to frequent episodes of joint locking, pain, and effusion into the joint, which aligns with Diagnostic Code 5258. The current 10 percent ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5260 (limitation of flexion) and 5261 (limitation of extension) are deemed insufficient to reflect the Veteran's symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome and Partial Patellar Tear, Left Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20048385
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 20048385.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and has remanded his claims for initial rating determinations due to the need for additional medical opinions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for PTSD, an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for acquired psychiatric disorder, and increased ratings for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was also remanded.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied ratings in excess of the current assigned ratings for various service-connected conditions, including major depressive disorder and musculoskeletal issues, as well as a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board restored the 20 percent rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease, finding that the reduction was improper. The other claims for increased ratings were denied.
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