The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his left knee conditions have been denied as the evidence does not show that his disabilities meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows no more than slight instability and flexion limited to 45 degrees, which do not warrant an increase in evaluation beyond 10 percent under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee medial-lateral instability, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 4, 2020
- Citation
- 20058726
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 20058726.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran needs a VA examination to assess his left knee disabilities, considering the ameliorative effects of his medication.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for additional development, specifically to obtain a retrospective medical opinion that complies with the holding in Sharp to assess the Veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for TDIU was dismissed due to withdrawal of the claim. The Board also remanded cases regarding left knee strain and medial-lateral instability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with major depressive disorder and lumbar spondylolysis, have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. Effective May 13, 2011, the Veteran is granted TDIU.
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.