The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left knee disorders have been denied. The Veteran is currently receiving a 20 percent rating for each knee under DCs 5003-5260, but the claimant is not entitled to higher ratings due to limitations in flexion and instability.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support an increase in disability ratings as the Veteran's range of motion remains within the limits specified by the applicable diagnostic codes (DCs).
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Limitation of Flexion, Left Knee Limitation of Flexion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 12, 2022
- Citation
- 22068142
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 22068142.
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 claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee limitation of flexion and for an initial compensable rating for left knee limitation of extension due to stable symptomatology throughout the appeal period.
- Denied
The Veteran's disability ratings for right knee hemarthrosis, limitation of flexion, and diastolic dysfunction were denied. The reduction in the rating for right knee hemarthrosis was also denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for increased ratings for various knee disabilities and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) due to the need for regular aid and attendance. The Veteran needs additional VA examinations to determine the severity of her service-connected knee disabilities, including whether she requires assistance with daily activities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of left knee limitation of flexion and extension, finding that no new evidence was received prior to the assigned effective dates.
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.