The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right knee disabilities from August 10, 2010 to January 22, 2013 were denied as the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee laxity or osteoarthritis with limitation of flexion. A separate 20 percent rating was granted for limited extension.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed some instability but no more than mild, and the Veteran's symptoms were compensated for by the assigned 10% rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Laxity, Right Knee Osteoarthritis with Limited Flexion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20072436
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,329 · Granted: 31% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
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 20072436.
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 Veteran's right knee laxity is rated at 20 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating as his instability does not meet the criteria for more severe disability.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the loss of use of both lower extremities, necessitating regular and constant use of assistive devices for locomotion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran is entitled to a 10 percent rating for his right knee laxity beginning July 2, 2010. However, further development is needed due to inadequate VA examination opinions and additional evidence must be considered.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee laxity and DJD with semilunar cartilage disability are granted at a 20 percent rating. The Veteran's limited extension is denied.
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.