The Board granted a separate 20 percent rating for right knee lateral instability but denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for right knee functional ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right knee condition was found to have the functional equivalent of ankylosis, but not actual ankylosis. A separate rating for instability was granted based on diagnosed strain and prescribed use of a brace and cane.
- Claimed conditions
- right knee functional ankylosis, right knee lateral instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 16, 2025
- Citation
- 25009286
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 a separate initial 20 percent evaluation for left knee disability and a separate 10 percent evaluation for right knee lateral instability from January 15, 2019, and also granted TDIU and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), to include unspecified anxiety disorder, and assigned ratings of 40 percent, but no higher, for lumbar spine L5 spondylolysis without spondylolisthesis, and separate ratings of 10 percent each for left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left knee strain with effusion, right knee strain with effusion and status post anterior tibial tubercle avulsion fracture, left knee lateral instability, and right knee lateral instability.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's right knee condition has been granted a disability rating of 10 percent from November 7, 2014. The appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's appeal to restore his right knee ratings, concluding that the reductions were proper based on medical evidence showing improvement.
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