The Veteran's bilateral total knee replacements are not considered service-connected as there is no evidence of a disease or injury incurred in service, and the current conditions do not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection.
The deciding factor: There is no documented in-service injury or disease that could lead to the development of degenerative joint changes resulting in total knee replacements. The Veteran's assertions of continuous symptoms since service are not supported by credible evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Total Knee Replacement, Right Total Knee Replacement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 19, 2010
- Citation
- 1002761
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1002761.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's left total knee replacement with left knee arthritis and scar, status post left knee arthroscopy, are granted a disability rating of 60 percent effective February 28, 2025.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his right knee disability is remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and consideration of medication effects.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability was granted an increased rating to 60% effective June 1, 2018. Attorney fees are eligible based on past-due benefits awarded in the December 2019 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for right knee disability and TDIU prior to March 22, 2021 due to duty to assist errors. The appellant's representative withdrew his request for a hearing.
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