The veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his left knee disorder was denied. Prior to August 14, 2001, the rating remained at 20 percent due to symptoms including pain and locking. After total knee replacement surgery on August 14, 2001, a 30 percent rating has been assigned since October 1, 2002.
The deciding factor: The veteran's left knee disorder was rated based on its pre-surgery status prior to the surgery and post-surgery following total knee replacement. The current rating of 30 percent is the minimum provided for post-operative knee replacement under Diagnostic Code 5055.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Left Knee Disorder"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 27, 2006
- Citation
- 0602476
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
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