The Veteran's service-connected right and left total knee replacements result in physical incapacity that requires care and assistance on a regular basis to protect him from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment, meeting the criteria for SMC based on aid and attendance.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, including severe osteoarthritis with pain and instability, necessitate regular aid and attendance in order to accomplish activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Claimed conditions
- Right Total Knee Replacement, Left Total Knee Replacement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- March 24, 2014
- Citation
- 1412322
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 1412322.
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 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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