The Board granted a separate 20 percent rating for left knee dislocated semilunar cartilage and recurrent subluxation, an evaluation of 60 percent for the residuals of a left total knee replacement from October 18, 2022, but denied a higher rating for limitation of flexion.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximated moderate lateral instability and episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint. The evidence was at least equally balanced that her left total knee replacement resulted in chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness, and that she could not secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to her service-connected disabilities.

Claimed conditions

Left knee disability (meniscal tear status post lateral meniscal transplant and lateral femoral condyle microfracture), Left knee dislocated semilunar cartilage, Left knee recurrent subluxation

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 18, 2025

Citation

25014099

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