The Veteran was awarded a higher initial rating for his mood disorder and the criteria for an increased rating were not met for other conditions.,The Veteran's left knee disability did not meet the criteria for an increased rating prior to December 22, 2004, and thereafter. The right wrist and left wrist disabilities also did not meet the criteria for increased ratings as they are already at their maximum evaluations under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's mood disorder was found to warrant a higher initial disability rating due to its severity, but other conditions did not meet the criteria for an increase in evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Mood Disorder with Major Depressive-Like Episodes, Degenerative Joint Disease, Residuals of Left Knee Trauma, Right Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome, Residuals of Right Wrist Injury, Residuals of Left Wrist Injury
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- September 7, 2011
- Citation
- 1132989
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 1132989.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and has remanded his claims for initial rating determinations due to the need for additional medical opinions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right knee disabilities have been rated based on the severity of his symptoms, including pain and instability. The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to make a determination regarding the appropriate disability ratings for these conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability, including patellofemoral syndrome and meniscal disorder, is rated at 30 percent effective December 4, 2018.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for eligibility to direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits granted in a July 2023 Board decision and effectuated in a January 2024 rating decision.
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