The claim for a higher rating for the service-connected left knee replacement with scars is denied as it cannot be rated higher than 60 percent. The claim for SMC based on loss of use of the left foot is also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left knee disability, which includes status post total left knee replacement with scars and post traumatic instability of the left knee, has been rated at its highest possible level (60%) under VA regulations. The right knee synovitis does not warrant a higher rating as it is already rated at 10%.
- Claimed conditions
- Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Depressed and Anxious Mood, Status Post Total Left Knee Replacement with Scars, Post Traumatic Instability of the Left Knee, Right Knee Synovitis
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- August 26, 2020
- Citation
- 20056377
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 20056377.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no confirmed DSM-V diagnosis of PTSD.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, such as Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Depressed and Anxious Mood, is also denied due to lack of a current diagnosis related to service.,Service connection for a substance use disorder is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and TDIU due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's mental health conditions are being evaluated, with particular attention to their relationship to his hepatitis C.
- Denied
The Veteran's right knee disability, which included bursitis and synovitis, was found to be no more than 30 percent disabling. The Board denied the claim for a higher rating as well as the TDIU claim.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right knee synovitis is not rated higher than 10 percent, and his bilateral foot skin disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The left knee internal derangement issue requires further clarification regarding whether there is a history of a meniscal condition.
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