The Veteran's service-connected left knee degenerative arthritis and instability have been rated at the lowest possible evaluation (10%) since August 1, 2004. The Board has determined that these evaluations are not adequate to reflect the severity of his disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s range of motion for both knees was found to be limited, with no evidence of more than a 30 degree limitation in flexion or extension, which does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5260 and 5261. The Board also noted that there is no evidence of recurrent subluxation or lateral instability warranting a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5257.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee degenerative arthritis, left knee instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 24, 2021
- Citation
- 21031785
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 21031785.
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The issues related to service connection for various conditions and disability ratings.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for right knee disability, left knee arthritis, and bilateral knee instability. The decision is based on the Veteran's competent and credible lay evidence regarding the onset of symptoms in service.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis is dismissed. The claims for service connection for psychiatric disability, bilateral hearing loss, and other conditions are granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis and shin splints due to insufficient rationale in the previous VA examination. The case is now pending with a request for a new opinion.
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