The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports showed normal range of motion with no significant additional functional loss during flares. The Veteran’s symptoms were primarily pain and stiffness without objective findings of instability or ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome, Left Knee Contusion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 29, 2025
- Citation
- 25001248
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,062 · Granted: 34% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 25001248.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and has remanded his claims for initial rating determinations due to the need for additional medical opinions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right knee disabilities have been rated based on the severity of his symptoms, including pain and instability. The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to make a determination regarding the appropriate disability ratings for these conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability, including patellofemoral syndrome and meniscal disorder, is rated at 30 percent effective December 4, 2018.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for eligibility to direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits granted in a July 2023 Board decision and effectuated in a January 2024 rating decision.
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