The Board granted higher initial ratings for the right knee arthritis disability, slight lateral instability of the right knee, and left shoulder disability from February 1, 2010 to March 25, 2013. The cervical spine disability was denied a higher initial rating since March 26, 2013.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's right knee arthritis and lateral instability symptoms most closely approximated the criteria for a 20% and 10% ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5258 and 5257 respectively. The cervical spine disability was rated based on its functional impairment during the specified period.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (Right Knee), Chondromalacia Patella, Lateral Instability of Right Knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 16, 2021
- Citation
- 21014949
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 21014949.
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 claim for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder and Chondromalacia Patella was reopened on May 23, 2011. A VA mental disorders examination confirmed the diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and assigned a 50 percent disability rating effective from May 23, 2011.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and an increased rating for other specified trauma- and stressor-related disorder. The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of multiple joints were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right knee disability is not rated higher than 10 percent due to limited flexion. The claim for increased rating remains pending and will be remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee chondromalacia patella is rated at 20 percent, effective September 18, 2023, for instability. The rating is granted based on the current evidence of moderate instability.
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.