The Board granted a 20 percent rating for right knee instability from March 31, 2015 to April 11, 2023 and denied ratings in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia with degenerative changes, a separate 20 percent rating for meniscus condition, and a rating in excess of 30 percent for residuals of a total right knee replacement.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed moderate instability and frequent episodes of locking, swelling, and effusion, but not severe symptoms or persistent instability requiring an assistive device. The Veteran's range of motion did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under DCs 5260-5261.
- Claimed conditions
- right knee instability, right knee chondromalacia with degenerative changes, right knee meniscus condition, residuals of a total right knee replacement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 16, 2024
- Citation
- 24031866
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for bilateral knee instability and denied service connection for right and left knee instability, finding no nexus between the Veteran's knee conditions and his service or service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for a thoracolumbar spine disorder and bilateral knee disorders due to the need for additional VA examinations.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an increased rating for right knee strain and instability but granted a separate 10 percent rating for right knee limitation of extension from November 25, 2024.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including left foot condition, right foot condition, cellulitis, right ear hearing loss, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The appeal of the proposal to reduce a 40 percent evaluation for lumbosacral strain was dismissed.
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.