The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for left knee status post unicompartmental medial replacement from April 1, 2015 to September 13, 2017 was denied as the evidence did not show that his condition warranted a higher rating. The claim for TDIU was also denied due to lack of sufficient evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left knee disability did not result in ankylosis, severe painful motion or weakness, or impairment of the tibia and fibula. His range of motion remained within normal limits, and there was no clear evidence of infection. The Board found that his lay statements were outweighed by objective medical records.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee status post unicompartmental medial replacement, left above knee amputation, major depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20042387
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 20042387.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, should be remanded due to a failure to verify a stressor related to the death of his two best friends in Iraq. The AOJ needs to develop this stressor.
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