The Board denied an effective date earlier than May 26, 2016, for a separate rating for right knee instability and left knee instability. The claims for higher ratings based on limitation of motion and instability of the knees, separate ratings for meniscus conditions of the knees, and secondary service connection claims were remanded.

The deciding factor: The Board found that there was no evidence of instability more than one year prior to May 26, 2016, which would warrant an earlier effective date. The claims for higher ratings and separate ratings required further development and were remanded accordingly.

Claimed conditions

right knee instability, left knee instability, patellofemoral pain syndrome of the left knee with degenerative arthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right knee, meniscus condition of the knees, hip disabilities (secondary to service-connected knee disabilities), skin rash (secondary to service-connected knee disabilities), obesity (secondary to service-connected knee disabilities), hypertension (secondary to service-connected knee disabilities), coronary artery disease (CAD) (secondary to service-connected knee disabilities)

How they argued it

Secondary to another service-connected condition

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

December 16, 2025

Citation

25014955

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