The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease and instability were granted initial disability ratings, with the limitation of flexion and extension rated at 20 percent from January 4, 2013 to January 12, 2015 and March 1, 2015 to March 17, 2016. The Veteran's left knee instability prior to March 17, 2016 was denied a higher rating. A disability rating of 60 percent for total left knee replacement from May 1, 2017 was granted.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner noted the Veteran’s diagnoses and provided evidence supporting the assigned ratings based on flexion and extension limitations as well as instability prior to March 17, 2016.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee degenerative joint disease, left knee instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 21, 2020
- Citation
- 20027768
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 20027768.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The issues related to service connection for various conditions and disability ratings.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the severity of his left knee disability, including without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection were dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran withdrew his appeal as to the issues of entitlement to increased disability ratings for left foot metatarsalgia, tinnitus, left wrist disability, right foot plantar warts, and for service connection for right foot plantar warts at a September 2024 hearing. Service connection was granted for migraines.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU rating.
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