The Veteran's increased ratings for left knee limitation of flexion and instability were denied. The Veteran was assigned a 10 percent rating for limitation of flexion, which is the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5260. For instability, he received a 30 percent rating effective October 4, 2010.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show more than mild instability prior to October 4, 2010 and severe instability thereafter, which warranted the maximum 30 percent rating for instability under Diagnostic Code 5257.
- Claimed conditions
- Left knee limitation of flexion, Left knee instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20054124
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 20054124.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left knee limitation of flexion and strain of the left muscle group XI are being remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The AOJ will consider any additional evidence submitted when the claims are readjudicated.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
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