The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a left femur fracture with internal derangement and degenerative joint disease of the left knee. Separate evaluations have been assigned for instability of the left knee, and service connection has been established for right knee disorder, low back disorder, and left hip disorder as secondary to the service-connected left femur fracture. The veteran's right hip disorder is not considered service connected.

The deciding factor: The VA Office of General Counsel determined that separate evaluations should be assigned for instability in cases involving both arthritis and instability of a knee.

Claimed conditions

Left femur fracture, Degenerative joint disease of the left knee, Right knee disorder, Low back disorder, Left hip disorder, Right hip disorder

How they argued it

Secondary to another service-connected condition

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

30%

Decision date

May 12, 2003

Citation

0308871

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 0308871.