The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left femur fracture with faulty union, left total knee replacement is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examination and treatment records do not show any severe painful motion or weakness, limitation of flexion to 60 degrees or less, limitation of extension to 10 degrees or more, ankylosis, or arthritic findings associated with the left knee. The cystic mass and well-healed surgical scar are noted but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- left femur fracture with faulty union, left total knee replacement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- May 18, 2004
- Citation
- 0412810
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 0412810.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as it is inextricably intertwined with the remanded right and left knee increased rating claims.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the issues of entitlement to disability ratings in excess of 30 percent from August 1, 2020 for right and left total knee replacements for further evidentiary development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for left total knee replacement to obtain the Veteran's complete service personnel records, including ROTC records.
- Partly granted
The Board granted the restoration of a 40 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy, from January 8, 2024, due to an inadequate examination. The other claims were remanded for further development.
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