The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for right knee lateral instability, finding that the evidence supported only moderate instability.
The deciding factor: The medical and lay evidence did not support more than moderate instability.
- Claimed conditions
- Right knee lateral instability, Chrondromalacia patellae of the right knee with degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 3, 2020
- Citation
- 20076850
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 20076850.
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 right knee surgical scar and lateral instability have been granted initial disability ratings of 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively. However, the Veteran's sinus bradycardia and palpitations are denied a higher rating.
- Partly granted
The Board granted initial ratings for DJD of the thoracic spine, right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and left knee limitation of extension, while denying higher ratings. The Veteran was also awarded SMC based on regular need for aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and service treatment records.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of increased ratings for right and left knee disabilities, as well as TDIU. The Veteran will be provided with a VA examination to assess her current disability levels.
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.