The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s knee conditions, while limiting, did not prevent him from performing different forms of employment such as office or online customer service jobs where he could sit or stand as needed.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint disease of the left knee, Left patella dislocation, Total right knee replacement, Scars associated with total right knee replacement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20081819
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 remands the claims for further development to ensure that the severity of the Veteran's bilateral knee disability is accurately assessed without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
- Granted
The Board granted an initial 60 percent rating for a total right knee replacement, finding that the Veteran experiences chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion, soreness, and weakness in the right knee and leg.
- Granted
The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's degenerative spondylosis at L5-S1, left and right shoulder disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, and depressive disorder.
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