The Veteran's left knee disability, including instability and arthritis, is rated at 20 percent from August 25, 2014 to June 8, 2016. The Veteran's right hip tenosynovitis and right knee osteoarthritis are each rated at 10 percent. Service connection for left ankle disability, SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound status is remanded.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher rating for the service-connected conditions as they do not meet the criteria for more severe disabilities under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Status post left knee tear of the anterior horn of the lateral ligament with traumatic degenerative arthritis and meniscal strain, Left knee instability, Tenosynovitis of the right hip, Right knee osteoarthritis, Osgood-Schlatter's disease, and meniscal strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 31, 2020
- Citation
- 20050991
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 20050991.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of June 17, 2010 for service connection and separate ratings for right knee instability and left knee instability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not properly before it due to procedural errors and remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and bilateral knee conditions, have precluded him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU rating for the period beginning April 5, 2020.
- Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability and instability are rated at 20 percent for the entire appeal period, with a separate rating of 10 percent for instability.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.