The Veteran's increased rating for left knee disability from March 8, 2018 is denied as the current range of motion measurements do not warrant a higher rating and the existing 20 percent rating has been in place continuously for more than 20 years.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show any additional functional loss due to pain or instability that would justify an increased rating beyond 20 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 19, 2023
- Citation
- 23057066
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 23057066.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus has been restored to a 30% evaluation effective September 1, 2020. The evaluations for right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating.,Right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome are both currently rated at 10 percent. The Veteran seeks increased ratings for these conditions.,Lumbosacral strain is also rated at 10 percent, and the Veteran seeks an increase in this rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, TBI, and cognitive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since July 19, 2023. The Board has granted an earlier effective date for the TDIU with SMC based on housebound criteria.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for clarification of the severity of his bilateral knee and hip disabilities without ameliorative effects of any medication. Additional development may include scheduling a new examination if necessary.
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.