The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was denied. The left knee degenerative joint disease, instability and subluxation, and dislocated semilunar cartilage were all rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability/subluxation for any period of time.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Degenerative Joint Disease, Left Knee Instability and Subluxation, Left Knee Dislocated Semilunar Cartilage
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20070635
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent rating for left knee dislocated semilunar cartilage from February 1, 2023, and also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and tinnitus. The claims for increased ratings for right shoulder degenerative arthritis, thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative joint disease, and right knee degenerative arthritis were denied. An effective date of April 23, 2021, was granted for the award of a 100 percent evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected right and left knee degenerative joint diseases, finding that her symptoms did not warrant higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and entitlement to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) on the basis of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in that the prior medical opinions are inadequate.
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