The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee chondromalacia patella have been rated at 10 percent each, effective October 18, 2010. The Board has found that separate ratings of 10 percent for instability are warranted for both knees. However, the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5260 or 5261 have not been met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's knee disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion as his flexion and extension fall within the range that warrants a 10 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Chondromalacia Patella
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 3, 2020
- Citation
- 20058557
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 20058557.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 Veteran's claim for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder and Chondromalacia Patella was reopened on May 23, 2011. A VA mental disorders examination confirmed the diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and assigned a 50 percent disability rating effective from May 23, 2011.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right knee disability is not rated higher than 10 percent due to limited flexion. The claim for increased rating remains pending and will be remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right knee chondromalacia patella is rated at 20 percent, effective September 18, 2023, for instability. The rating is granted based on the current evidence of moderate instability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for right knee instability since August 15, 2019. The issue of a higher rating for chondromalacia patella of the right knee is remanded due to incomplete records.
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