The Board denied increased ratings for patellofemoral syndrome of the left and right knees, finding that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed flexion limited to 40 degrees in both knees, which is consistent with the impairment warranted for a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5260. A higher rating of 20 percent was not warranted as flexion was not limited to 30 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- patellofemoral syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20067792
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 service connection for right, left knee conditions and back pain as the evidence did not support that these conditions were caused by or aggravated by active duty service or a service-connected disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The claim for service connection for a left knee condition (to include patellofemoral syndrome and DJD) is remanded for readjudication, as new and relevant evidence has been received sufficient to reopen the claim.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a right knee disability and major depressive disorder, finding that the evidence supports a direct link to the Veteran's active duty service.
- Granted
The Veteran's eligibility for VA educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill is granted due to his service-connected knee disabilities.
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