The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities, effective from October 1, 2000, and February 1, 2002, respectively. The decision also addressed other issues including service connection for a low back disability on a direct basis and an increased rating for major depression.
The deciding factor: The veteran's bilateral knee disabilities were rated based on the criteria for prosthetic replacement of a knee joint under Diagnostic Code 5055, with the current evidence not supporting an evaluation in excess of the assigned ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Replacement, Left Knee Replacement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- July 30, 2003
- Citation
- 0318296
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 0318296.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 30 percent for the total knee replacement and a 10 percent rating for the scar. The appeal was granted on both issues.
- Denied
The Veteran's preexisting right knee disability was not worsened beyond natural progression during service, and the Board denied his claim for service connection.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is dismissed. The Veteran's right knee replacement disability and lower extremity peripheral nerve disabilities are granted with increased ratings, but the Veteran does not meet criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder due to military sexual trauma (MST) and remanded the claims for HIV-related illness, hypertension, left knee replacement, and sleep apnea.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.