The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been rated based on their underlying conditions, with the left knee receiving a higher rating due to its post-arthroscopy status. The right knee has received a lower rating as it is not post-arthroscopy.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's knee disabilities are evaluated under Diagnostic Codes that reflect the underlying conditions (DJD and chondromalacia), with the left knee receiving a higher rating due to its post-arthroscopy status, while the right knee remains at a lower rating as it is not post-arthroscopy.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the Left Knee, Chondromalacia with Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the Right Knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 10, 2018
- Citation
- 1821796
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 1821796.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's PTSD rating is restored to 50 percent, but his other orthopedic disabilities remain in dispute and require further review.,His cervical strain, DJD of the left knee, and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis are all rated below their maximum possible ratings due to lack of evidence showing they meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of her disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations. The issues include Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Insomnia, Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the Left Knee, DJD of the Right Knee, and Hypothyroidism.
- Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability, specifically degenerative joint disease, has been rated at 30 percent since February 20, 2009. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects his condition as of January 2, 2004, with total knee replacement and associated limitations.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on instability, painful motion, or degenerative arthritis.
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.