The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his right knee disability from April 16, 2013 to March 15, 2016 was denied as the evidence did not show flexion limited to 30 degrees or more.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran's flexion was at least 90 degrees and extension was at most 5 degrees during examination and after repetitive use over time and during flare-ups, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 5260.
- Claimed conditions
- Right knee chondromalacia, Right knee osteoarthritis, Right knee limitation of motion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 4, 2026
- Citation
- 26001640
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 26001640.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee instability is granted, with a 30 percent rating. The claims for increased ratings for right knee osteoarthritis (flexion) and left hip strain, osteoarthritis and bursitis based on painful motion are denied. The claim for an increased rating for right ankle osteoarthritis is also denied.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee condition is etiologically related to service and grants service connection for this disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right knee disability is being remanded for further evaluation due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its onset and etiology.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal regarding a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee limitation of motion prior to August 27, 2019 is being remanded due to inadequate previous examinations. A new retrospective VA medical opinion is needed.
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