The Veteran's initial increased ratings for her bilateral knee disabilities, including limitation of extension and instability, are granted. She is not entitled to a higher rating based on limitation of flexion.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not show that the Veteran’s left or right knee flexion has been limited at 30 degrees or less, warranting a higher rating under DC 5260 for limitation of flexion. However, her extension is limited to 15 degrees, which warrants a separate 20 percent evaluation under DC 5261.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Flexion, Right Knee Flexion, Left Knee Extension, Right Knee Extension, Instability of Left Knee, Instability of Right Knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 22, 2021
- Citation
- 21009346
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 21009346.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for limitation of flexion of the right knee is denied.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain and limitation of extension of the right hip are remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals as untimely, and denied any extension of time to file an appeal.
- Granted
The Board has granted an earlier effective date of September 2, 2020 for the grant of service connection for right knee flexion and denied the request for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for right knee extension.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected hypertension and an earlier effective date of May 14, 2018, for radiculopathy right lower extremity. Other claims were denied.
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.