An effective date of September 13, 2010 for a 20 percent rating for residuals of a left knee meniscectomy (left knee instability) is granted. A rating in excess of 20 percent for left knee instability is denied. From September 13, 2010 but no earlier, a 10 percent rating for left knee range of motion is granted; subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits. A rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee range of motion is denied. From September 13, 2010 but no earlier, a separate 20 percent rating for frequent episodes of left knee pain, locking, and effusion into the joint is granted; subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits. From September 13, 2010 but no earlier, a 10 percent rating for the left knee meniscectomy scar is granted; subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.
The deciding factor: The effective date for the 20 percent rating for left knee instability was set at September 13, 2010 based on evidence showing worsening of the Veteran's condition in that year. The Veteran's claim for higher ratings related to his left knee disability was received by VA on February 2, 2011.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Instability, Left Knee Range of Motion, Left Knee Meniscectomy Scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 28, 2023
- Citation
- 23054145
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 23054145.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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.
- 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 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.
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.