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 assigned
- 10%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 20058726.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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