The Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 10 percent prior to August 7, 2017. On and after that date, the rating for lateral instability of the left knee increased to 30 percent. The right shoulder disability was rated at 50 percent from August 7, 2017 onward. The Veteran's hemorrhoids were rated as non-compensable prior to October 17, 2017 and then rated at 10 percent thereafter.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the left knee disability warranted a separate rating for lateral instability based on recent findings of severe lateral instability with limited extension. The right shoulder disability was found to meet criteria for ankylosis in the dominant arm, warranting a higher rating. The hemorrhoids were rated at 10 percent as they met the criteria for large or thrombotic, irreducible hemorrhoids.
- Claimed conditions
- patellofemoral pain syndrome, degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 9, 2018
- Citation
- 1800996
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 1800996.
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 Board granted service connection for residuals of a right knee meniscal tear to include degenerative joint disease, finding that the Veteran's in-service injury led to his current condition.
- Granted
The Board granted an increased initial rating of 20 percent disabling for the Veteran's right shoulder, effective November 22, 2011.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and lumbosacral strain, based on the Veteran's consistent account of having low back problems since service.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a right knee disability, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated during active service.
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