The Veteran's left hip replacement, right hip replacement, right knee replacement, and left knee replacement are granted as they were incurred during active service. The claims for left shoulder impingement syndrome with arthritis and right shoulder impingement syndrome with arthritis are denied due to lack of evidence linking the current conditions to service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's hip replacements and knee replacements were not related to his in-service injuries, but there was conflicting medical opinion from a private physician who believed they may be related. The shoulder claims have no supporting medical evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Hip Replacement, Right Hip Replacement, Right Knee Replacement, Left Knee Replacement, Left Shoulder Impingement Syndrome with Arthritis, Right Shoulder Impingement Syndrome with Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19116094
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 19116094.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for right knee replacement, special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, and a total disability rating for individual unemployability.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) effective September 23, 2019.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a compensable rating for the left knee scar status-post surgery and granted an initial rating of 60 percent but no higher for OSA with COPD prior to March 1, 2022. The claim was remanded for further development.
- Denied
The Veteran's total left knee replacement is rated at 30 percent from December 1, 2018. The evidence does not show chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness, which would warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5055.
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.