The Veteran's right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome have not met the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Codes 5260 or 5261 due to normal range of motion.,The Veteran's initial 10 percent rating for left knee instability is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating under revised Diagnostic Code 5257.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show flexion or extension limited to 30 degrees or 15 degrees, respectively, and there was no additional loss of function during flare-ups.,The Veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for moderate recurrent subluxation or lateral instability under revised Diagnostic Code 5257.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome, Left Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome, Left Knee Instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 29, 2021
- Citation
- 21026014
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 21026014.
What this means for you
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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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board will consider all submitted evidence, including any new evidence provided by the Veteran.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's hypertension, left knee flexion limitation, and instability of the left knee are all rated at their maximum allowable under VA regulations. The right knee scar is not compensable. The Board has remanded for further examination to determine the severity of these conditions without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 40 percent for limitation of extension, effective December 18, 2025. The Veteran also received separate ratings for instability and dislocation of semilunar cartilage.
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