The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied. His initial rating higher than 10 percent for left knee osteoarthritis prior to April 17, 2013, and his rating of 40 percent or higher from that date onwards were also denied. However, he received separate compensable ratings (10%) for left knee symptomatic semilunar cartilage prior to October 19, 2010, and for left knee instability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's psychiatric disorder was not service-connected as his claimed stressor could not be verified. His current psychiatric condition is less likely related to or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), Left knee osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- August 31, 2022
- Citation
- 22049719
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 22049719.
What this means for you
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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 remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) due to insufficient evidence of record. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if his conditions are related to service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee and left knee, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to potential toxic exposure in service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to duty-to-assist errors and insufficient medical opinions. The issues include PTSD, neck disorder, back disorder, left-hand disorder, bilateral foot disorders, and bilateral knee disorders.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee meniscal tear with osteoarthritis rating was restored to 40%, and an effective date of July 26, 2013, for SMC based on need for aid and attendance was granted. The intermediate rate SMC effective date also aligns with this date.
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