The Board denied entitlement to increased ratings for left and right knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative arthritis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5260 or 5261.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations during the appeal period showed limited range of motion in both knees but no instability or subluxation, which precluded application of Diagnostic Code 5257. The flexion and extension limitations did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5260 or 5261.
- Claimed conditions
- Left knee chondromalacia patella, Right knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20065965
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.
- Denied
The Board denied higher ratings for the veteran's left wrist and hand disabilities, as well as the effective dates for service connection, and also remanded claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee chondromalacia patella and subluxation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for additional development, including new VA examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's disabilities and address reports of daily suicidal ideation.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease, left shoulder impingement syndrome, migraines, and left knee chondromalacia patella as the Veteran withdrew his appeals during a hearing.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since December 13, 2011.
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