The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left knee DJD and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for left knee DJD, as it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent under DCs 5260-5262. For TDIU, the Veteran's combined disability rating is 80%, and he has met the schedular requirements since October 2011. However, there was no evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities have precluded him from gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support a higher rating for left knee DJD under DCs 5260-5262 due to the lack of ankylosis, recurrent subluxation, meniscal condition, surgery, or shin splints. The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80%, and he has met the schedular requirements since October 2011. However, there was no evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities have precluded him from gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee degenerative joint disease (DJD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), left carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), diabetes mellitus (DM), right CTS, cataracts, tinnitus, shrapnel wound left leg, left knee scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- June 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20044111
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 20044111.
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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The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
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