The Veteran's chondromalacia left knee with medial meniscus tear is rated at 10 percent prior to February 27, 2020 and 20 percent thereafter. A separate 10 percent rating for left knee lateral instability was granted beginning February 27, 2020. The Veteran's dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion is rated at 20 percent effective February 27, 2020.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence shows that the Veteran’s flexion was not limited to 30 degrees prior to February 27, 2020. Beginning February 27, 2020, the flexion limitation is more nearly approximating 15 degrees during flare-ups or when used repeatedly over time.
- Claimed conditions
- Chondromalacia left knee, Medial meniscus tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 4, 2021
- Citation
- 21000151
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 21000151.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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 disabilities, specifically his left knee/lower extremity and back disabilities, are found to render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU claim with resolution of reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board denied increased evaluations for the Veteran's right knee internal derangement and partial ACL tear, as well as his infra-patella neuritis. The evidence did not show severe recurrent subluxation or lateral instability for the right knee, nor severe to complete paralysis due to the infra-patella neuritis.
- Denied
The Veteran's left knee disability, including arthritis with noncompensable limitation of motion and extension, is rated at 10 percent. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for a right knee disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented to show that his pre-existing right knee disorder was permanently aggravated by active service.
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.