The Board granted a 20 percent disability rating for right knee instability between August 6, 2016 and June 7, 2024, but denied higher or separate ratings for the right shoulder and malunion of the right tibia.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding moderate instability in the right knee during the appeal period, warranting a 20 percent rating under DC 5257. However, there was no evidence of severe instability or other conditions that would warrant higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- right shoulder disability, right knee instability, malunion involving the right tibia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 8, 2025
- Citation
- 25008902
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and a right hip disability, and granted a 30 percent rating for ureterolithiasis. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, while other claims were remanded.
- 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.
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