The Veteran's appeal is denied as his left knee extension and flexion limitations do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes. His instability and symptomatic dislocated semilunar cartilage are rated appropriately.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left knee extension was found to be limited to less than 15 degrees prior to August 24, 2020, and to less than 20 degrees thereafter, which do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Code 5261. His flexion limitation is rated as 10 percent effective October 21, 2020, based on his range of motion being limited to 40 degrees. His instability and symptomatic dislocated semilunar cartilage are rated as 10 percent effective May 6, 2014.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Degenerative Joint Disease, Left Knee Instability (dislocated meniscus), Left Knee Symptomatic Dislocated Semilunar Cartilage
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 19, 2022
- Citation
- 22002681
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 22002681.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates are remanded due to inadequate examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 0 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran met the schedular requirements for a TDIU from July 27, 2007.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic sinusitis, fibromyalgia, right knee degenerative joint disease, and left knee degenerative joint disease are being remanded. The claim for service connection for CFS is also being remanded.,Service connection for sleep apnea is also being remanded.
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