The Veteran's left knee strain and slight instability are granted a separate 10 percent rating, while the initial ratings for left knee strain (10%), limitation of flexion of the left hip (10%), and limitation of adduction and rotation of the left hip remain denied. The Veteran is granted an initial 50 percent rating for PTSD.
The deciding factor: The August 2020 VA examination findings supported a finding that the Veteran's left knee strain was productive of painful flexion, warranting a separate 10 percent rating under DC 5260. For the other issues, the VA examiner found no additional loss in range of motion on repetitive use testing and during flares.
- Claimed conditions
- Left knee strain, Slight left knee instability, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Left hip bursitis, Limitation of flexion of the left hip, Limitation of adduction and rotation of the left hip
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20076020
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 20076020.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of permanent and total disability.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine strain, right wrist sprain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and right ankle strain. The disabilities are all deemed to have begun during the Veteran's active duty.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
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