The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for the right total knee replacement was denied. The other issues, including service connection and TDIU, were granted.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s right knee disability did not more closely approximate severe chronic residuals associated with the knee replacement.
- Claimed conditions
- Left tibial gunshot wound residuals, Right total knee replacement
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- April 28, 2016
- Citation
- 1616960
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 1616960.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for lumbar strain, right knee scar, and degenerative arthritis of the left knee. However, a 60 percent evaluation was granted for the right total knee replacement effective July 24, 2018.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's left shoulder and knee conditions, but granted a 60 percent rating for his right total knee replacement. The Board also denied entitlement to TDIU.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for bilateral knee disabilities, including instability, and a TDIU due to an inadequate examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right total knee replacement, which is claimed as secondary to their service-connected right knee strain, needs further examination and opinion.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.