For the entire period on appeal, entitlement to a separate disability rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for right knee instability is granted.,Between February 28, 2014 and November 15, 2020, entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with X-ray evidence of arthritis is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right knee instability has been manifested by frequent episodes of 'locking' and swelling into the joint. However, higher ratings under Diagnostic Codes (DCs) 5260 (limitation of flexion), 5261 (extension limited to 10 degrees or more), and 5258 (dislocation with frequent episodes of locking) are not warranted as his right knee flexion was at worst 50 degrees, extension was at 0 degrees, and he did not exhibit dislocated semilunar cartilage.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome with X-ray Evidence of Arthritis, Right Knee Instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 13, 2021
- Citation
- 21002418
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 21002418.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been rated and denied for increased ratings, with some conditions receiving specific disability ratings. The Veteran is granted a 60% rating for her total right knee replacement from September 4, 2015 onwards, but the other claims are denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right knee strain (painful motion), and right knee instability are now rated at 30 percent effective August 16, 2017.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of representation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted a separate rating of 30 percent for right knee instability, but has remanded the issue of an increased rating for right knee disability due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to consider the effects of pain medication.
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