The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected residuals of a total right knee replacement is denied as there is no higher schedular rating available than that currently assigned.
The deciding factor: The criteria for a higher rating are not met due to the maximum 60 percent disability rating under the 'amputation rule' being the highest possible rating for a knee disability.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of a total right knee replacement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- October 17, 2019
- Citation
- 19179392
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an increased rating for the right knee degenerative joint disease prior to November 1, 2018, and granted a 60 percent disability rating from November 1, 2018, to January 16, 2023, but denied a higher rating thereafter.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent rating for right knee instability from March 31, 2015 to April 11, 2023 and denied ratings in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia with degenerative changes, a separate 20 percent rating for meniscus condition, and a rating in excess of 30 percent for residuals of a total right knee replacement.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of March 21, 2012, for service connection for a right knee disability with limitation of extension and meniscus disability but denied higher ratings for the right knee instability, flexion, and extension disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to unclear nature and etiology of the claimed disabilities, including whether they are diseases or injuries incurred during periods of Active Duty Training (ACDUTRA) or Inactive Duty Training (INACDUTRA).
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