Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 20 percent from June 1, 2015 to June 30, 2020 due to dislocated cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain and effusion into the joint. No higher rating is warranted as other diagnostic codes are not applicable.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability was rated based on Diagnostic Code 5258 for dislocated cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint, which allows only a single rating (20 percent).

Claimed conditions
left knee meniscus tear with chondromalacia and arthritis with cartilage loss
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
October 22, 2020
Citation
20068590

Veterans Law Judge

Journet Shaw

Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.

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 20068590.

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.

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.