The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for chondromalacia of the left knee was denied, and he received a separate 10 percent rating for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage. The Board found that his flexion limitation did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5260, but granted a separate 10 percent rating based on symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's chondromalacia and partial meniscectomy were rated separately as they do not overlap in symptomatology.
- Claimed conditions
- chondromalacia of the left knee, partial removal of semilunar cartilage, left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20074350
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected left knee and right shoulder disabilities, along with compensation benefits awarded under 38 USC § 1151 for a right bicep detachment during shoulder surgery, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment from December 22, 2011 to December 11, 2016.
- Dismissed
The Board's September 4, 2025 decision was vacated due to a failure to address clear and unmistakable error arguments, depriving the Veteran of due process.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the claims for earlier effective dates and higher ratings for various conditions, including left eye condition, right eye condition, hypertension, left knee, right knee, obstructive sleep apnea, and coronary artery disease (CAD), as well as denied an earlier effective date for CAD.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a right leg disability, kidney cancer, including residuals, and bilateral knee disabilities as the evidence did not support that these conditions began during active service or are related to an in-service injury or disease.
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