The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The left knee strain with osteoarthritis was rated at 10 percent, right knee synovitis with chondromalacia of patella at 10 percent, and the bilateral hearing loss at a compensable rating prior to December 2, 2015, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter. The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran’s left knee strain with osteoarthritis and right knee synovitis with chondromalacia of patella were each rated at 10 percent, which was the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic codes. The hearing loss was also rated at a compensable level prior to December 2, 2015, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Strain with Osteoarthritis, Right Knee Synovitis with Chondromalacia of Patella
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 29, 2020
- Citation
- 20070137
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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