The Veteran's initial claim for right hip degenerative joint disease was granted in April 2010, with a 10 percent rating. After undergoing total hip replacement, he received a 100 percent rating from January 7, 2015 to February 29, 2016. From March 1, 2016 to December 13, 2016, the Veteran was granted a 50 percent rating for his right hip condition post-replacement. The claimant's initial request for higher ratings were denied.,The Veteran also had an initial claim for right knee injury residuals with chondromalacia patella in April 2010, which resulted in a 10 percent rating. He was granted a 50 percent rating from March 1, 2016 to December 13, 2016 and denied higher ratings after that period.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's right hip degenerative joint disease did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to January 7, 2015 due to limited range of motion. After his total hip replacement in January 2015, he was granted a 30 percent rating from March 1, 2016 and a 50 percent rating since December 14, 2016.

Claimed conditions

Right Hip Degenerative Joint Disease, Right Knee Injury Residuals with Chondromalacia Patella

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

50%

Decision date

April 8, 2019

Citation

19126824