The Board has determined that the Veteran's right lower extremity disability, including his service-connected right knee condition and other aspects of the limb, does not meet the criteria for a higher rate of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that while there may have been some instability in the Veteran's right lower extremity, the functional capacity remains above what would be expected with an amputation stump and prosthesis. The Board found the lay reports of pain and occasional need for crutches to be less probative than objective medical examinations.
- Claimed conditions
- Right knee disability, Right foot and ankle conditions
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 27, 2017
- Citation
- 1702415
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1702415.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's TDIU claim for bilateral knee disabilities and his right and left knee scars have been granted. He is now rated at a combined 60% disability rating from June 1, 2018 based on bilateral factors for his bilateral knee disabilities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, finding that his current diagnosis of right knee strain is related to his military service.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to their death.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a right knee disability was dismissed as the request to file an appeal was not timely.
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