The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s left knee degenerative joint disease with limitation of motion does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, and his chondromalacia patella of the left knee with instability does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent. His left total knee arthroplasty is rated at 30 percent since June 1, 2015.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's postoperative left knee disability has not resulted in severe painful motion or weakness, and the range of motion during repetitive use over a period of time was estimated as 0 to 120 degrees. There was no pain on passive range of motion or non-weight bearing, and muscle strength was only slightly reduced.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Degenerative Joint Disease with Limitation of Motion, Chondromalacia Patella of the Left Knee with Instability, Left Total Knee Arthroplasty
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- December 7, 2020
- Citation
- 20077408
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 20077408.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD, a right knee condition, or left total knee arthroplasty. The case is being remanded to provide an examination and opinion regarding these claims.
- Granted
Effective September 1, 2019, the Veteran is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.
- Granted
The Board has granted past due benefits for a temporary total evaluation of 100 percent for left knee arthroplasty, and an evaluation of 30 percent effective March 1, 2024. The decision also awarded Special Monthly Compensation based on housebound criteria from September 31, 2023, to March 1, 2024.
- Dismissed
Your temporary total disability rating for left knee surgery has been granted, but the appeal is dismissed as your request was already fully addressed in a previous decision.
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