The Veteran's right shoulder disability was increased to a 40 percent rating, effective March 20, 2008.,The Veteran's left knee disability was increased to a 30 percent rating, effective March 20, 2008. He is still seeking SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.
The deciding factor: For the right shoulder, the VA examiner found that abduction was limited to 30 degrees from the side due to pain, which warranted a 40 percent rating under DC 5201. For the left knee, the Veteran's flexion was limited to 115 degrees with x-ray evidence of arthritis causing pain and limited motion, warranting a 30 percent rating under DC 5260.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Shoulder Bursitis, Left Knee Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- August 20, 2010
- Citation
- 1031436
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 1031436.
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 right and left knee strains, as well as shin splints, were granted increased ratings. The Veteran also received special monthly compensation at the housebound rate from October 25, 2017 to March 11, 2024.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore, service connection is denied. The claims for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), obstructive sleep apnea, and left knee strain are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Granted
The reduction of the rating for service-connected left knee strain from 30 percent to 10 percent was not proper, and restoration of the 30 percent rating is granted.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of low back and right knee disabilities due to improper filing deadlines.
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