The Veteran's right knee extension was limited to at worst 15 degrees from February 16, 2016, to September 10, 2018. The Veteran also had frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint for dislocated semilunar cartilage from February 16, 2016, to September 10, 2018. Right knee instability was noted but not severe enough to warrant a higher rating. The right TKA is currently rated at 30 percent and denied any increase in rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right knee extension limitation did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation prior to September 10, 2018, as it was limited to 15 degrees. The current TKA rating of 30 percent is also denied due to lack of chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Changes with Chondromalacia Patella, Right Knee, Dislocated Semilunar Cartilage of the Right Knee, Right Knee Instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 7, 2024
- Citation
- 24006769
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 24006769.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of representation.
- 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.
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