The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The rating for osteoarthrosis of the right knee and left knee prior to October 26, 2016 are granted at 10 percent each. A separate 10 percent evaluation is granted for a left knee meniscectomy. The Veteran's total arthroplasty from December 1, 2017 is rated as 30 percent. Left knee scars are evaluated as 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's depressive disorder was aggravated by his service-connected disabilities and granted service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder, Osteoarthrosis of the medial compartment of the right knee, Osteoarthrosis of the medial compartment of the left knee (prior to October 26, 2016), Left knee meniscectomy prior to October 26, 2016, Left knee total arthroplasty from December 1, 2017
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 26, 2021
- Citation
- 21032313
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 21032313.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as the claim was granted and effective from February 22, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective from August 3, 2021. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected Depressive Disorder is causing him to require regular assistance in keeping himself clean and presentable, which may qualify him for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance. The case is being remanded to schedule a VA examination to assess this issue.
- Granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of service connection (January 23, 2020), due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
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