The Veteran's initial increased ratings for left knee instability and patellar tendonitis with degenerative disease were denied. The Veteran was granted separate ratings of 30 percent for limited extension, but no higher, from January 6, 2020, and a 10 percent rating for instability, effective July 29, 2013.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support the assignment of higher disability ratings based on the Veteran's left knee conditions as his range of motion was within the criteria for lower rated classifications.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee patellar tendonitis, left knee degenerative disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20080433
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 Board has denied service connection for multiple conditions and denied higher initial ratings for several service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and examination to ensure a complete evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied earlier effective dates for the initial ratings of various conditions and denied increased ratings, except for a 30 percent rating for Crohn's disease starting January 13, 2022.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for other specified depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, and increased the ratings for thoracic spine degenerative changes, right knee degenerative disease, left knee degenerative disease, and right shoulder degenerative joint disease.
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.