The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected knee and foot conditions has been granted. The specific issues addressed are the left and right knee instability, patellofemoral pain syndrome (left and right knees), and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis.
The deciding factor: The VA examination confirmed that the Veteran's knees manifested in slight instability beginning November 10, 2015. The Board found this evidence to be at least in equipoise, warranting a separate rating of 10 percent for each knee under Diagnostic Code 5257 (2020), beginning November 10, 2015.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Instability, Right Knee Instability, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Left Knee with Chondromalacia Patellae (left knee condition), Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Right Knee with Chondromalacia Patellae (right knee condition), Bilateral Pes Planus with Plantar Fasciitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 7, 2024
- Citation
- 24006664
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 24006664.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right knee strain (painful motion), and right knee instability are now rated at 30 percent effective August 16, 2017.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted a separate rating of 30 percent for right knee instability, but has remanded the issue of an increased rating for right knee disability due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to consider the effects of pain medication.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of representation.
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