The Board has denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's left knee disability, specifically status post medial meniscectomy. A separate 20 percent rating is granted for left knee cartilage, semilunar, dislocated with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's symptoms warrant a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Lateral Instability, Left Knee Dislocated Semilunar Cartilage
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20081680
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 denied an initial rating greater than 10 percent for left knee limitation of flexion prior to February 17, 2024, and greater than 20 percent thereafter for left knee limitation of extension. However, the Board granted a separate 10 percent rating for left knee limitation of extension due to pain prior to February 17, 2024, and a separate 10 percent rating for left knee limitation of flexion from February 17, 2024, as well as a separate 10 percent rating for left knee lateral instability from the same date.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several claims related to the Veteran's knee and back disabilities, including for new examinations and consideration of additional evidence.
- Denied
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.
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