The Board granted a 40 percent rating for right and left knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative arthritis for the period on appeal prior to October 7, 2024, but denied ratings in excess of 40 percent for these conditions. The Board also granted a 20 percent rating for instability in both knees.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's knee disabilities were found to be manifested by extension limited between 30 and 44 degrees, which supports the 40 percent rating under DC 5261. However, there was no evidence of functional ankylosis or other factors that would warrant a higher rating.

Claimed conditions

right knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative arthritis, left knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative arthritis

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

40%

Decision date

December 8, 2025

Citation

25014601

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine