The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knees have been granted, with separate ratings of 20% each prior to May 10, 2011 (left knee) and May 4, 2019 (right knee). A separate 10% rating has also been granted for slight lateral instability of the right knee. The Veteran's knees have also manifested joint effusion from meniscus tears throughout the period on appeal.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran's knees have manifested in joint effusion due to meniscus tears, warranting separate ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5258 and 5259 for dislocated semilunar cartilage of each knee. The Veteran also has lateral instability of the right knee.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Osteoarthritis, Right Knee Osteoarthritis, Dislocated Semilunar Cartilage of Left Knee, Dislocated Semilunar Cartilage of Right Knee, Lateral Instability of Right Knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 25, 2021
- Citation
- 21003882
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 21003882.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for his awards of ratings for right and left knee osteoarthritis based on limitation of extension. The evidence did not show a compensable limitation of extension prior to February 6, 2025.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that the current conditions are not related to service due to lack of evidence of a chronic condition during service or post-service continuity.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his right knee disability is remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and consideration of medication effects.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, left knee osteoarthritis, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU effective February 23, 2024.
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