The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's chondromalacia of the left knee with degenerative joint disease, finding that the current evaluation adequately reflects moderate instability or subluxation.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations during the appeal period did not reflect recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, and the flexion limitation was limited to 40 degrees, which is within the range for a 20 percent rating under DC 5260.
- Claimed conditions
- chondromalacia of the left knee with degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 23, 2022
- Citation
- 22016880
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 22016880.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records, specifically from Lawrenceville CBOC and Atlanta VAMC. The Veteran's claim of a rating in excess of 20 percent for chondromalacia of the left knee with degenerative joint disease will be reconsidered.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a non-initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and consideration.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to the need for current examinations assessing the severity of the service-connected right fifth metacarpal and left knee disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, conduct necessary examinations, and issue a statement of the case for certain service connection claims.
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.