The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was granted. For the left knee disability, a separate rating of 20 percent and a 10 percent rating were assigned. For PTSD, a rating of 70 percent was granted effective prior to January 17, 2017.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms for his left knee disability included frequent episodes of stiffness, pain, and swelling as well as instability, which warranted separate ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5258 (frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion) and 5257 (instability). For PTSD, the Board found that he met the criteria for a 70 percent rating based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Disability, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 17, 2019
- Citation
- 19155518
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 19155518.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities are rated at 10% each, and the Board finds that higher ratings are not warranted based on the evidence of record.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
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