The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee, a 30 percent rating for status post total knee replacement of the right knee, or an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left knee. The psychiatric disability was found not to meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to August 12, 2013, but did meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating as of that date.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show any incapacitating exacerbations or limitation of motion in the knees warranting an increased rating. The psychiatric disability met the criteria for a 70 percent rating as of August 12, 2013.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease, Major Depressive Disorder with Alcohol Abuse
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 4, 2014
- Citation
- 1425247
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 1425247.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance claims have been granted effective from November 23, 2019.,The Board has also remanded the Veteran's increased rating claims for his lumbar and cervical spine conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found new and relevant evidence in support of the Veteran's previously denied service-connection claim for a back condition to include degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease. The case is being remanded for further review.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's back disability, including whether it is related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease and patellofemoral syndrome were granted a 20 percent rating, effective from January 8, 2021. The Veteran also received restoration of the 20 percent rating for instability of the right knee.
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