The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee tricompartmental degenerative joint disease was denied. The Board found that the disability did not exceed a noncompensable (0%) evaluation, as it was consistent with the pre-aggravation extent of disability. For TDIU, the criteria were met due to multiple service-connected disabilities rendering him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left knee DJD did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5260/5003 due to limited range of motion, and there was no evidence of instability, meniscal injury, or ankylosis. The disability was found to be consistent with pre-aggravation extent.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee tricompartmental degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 8, 2020
- Citation
- 20065573
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
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.