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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21014949.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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.
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