The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a right knee replacement are currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating is not sufficient for the period from September 1, 2017.
The deciding factor: The VA examination showed an abnormal range of motion with flexion limited to 55 degrees and extension limited to 15 degrees, which contributed to a functional loss due to pain. The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on severe painful motion or weakness.
- Claimed conditions
- Right knee replacement, Pain in right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20070593
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied earlier effective dates for the 10 percent rating for a surgical scar of the right knee and the 60 percent rating for a right knee replacement, secondary to osteoarthritis.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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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.