The Board has determined that the appellant's right knee disability, which includes traumatic arthritis, post-operative meniscectomies, posterior lateral rotary reconstruction and intramedullary rod fusion, warrants a 40 percent evaluation. The evidence does not support an increase in rating beyond this level.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that the appellant's right knee is immobilized with an intramedullary rod, preventing any flexion or extension of the joint. This prevents him from meeting the criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5256 (ankylosis) and 5261 (limitation of motion).
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic arthritis, Post-operative meniscectomies, Posterior lateral rotary reconstruction, Intramedullary rod fusion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 8, 2000
- Citation
- 0015087
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 0015087.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including traumatic arthritis and thoracolumbar spine status post fusion, have resulted in the effective loss of use of both feet. The Board has granted eligibility for financial assistance to purchase an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment due to these conditions. Additionally, the Veteran is also receiving SMC at the housebound rate based on his 100% disability rating from traumatic arthritis, thoracolumbar spine status post fusion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection due to incomplete evidence, including VA treatment records not being associated with his file. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records and provide a new VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee condition and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for a left ankle fracture with traumatic arthritis was denied as his disability is already at the maximum schedular evaluation available.
- Granted
The Veteran's right foot injury, which included a puncture wound and traumatic arthritis, was granted an initial rating of 10 percent from February 27, 2015 to November 7, 2019.
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