The Veteran's claims for service connection and ratings for his knee disabilities were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have hemorrhoids during active duty, and there was no evidence of a compensable rating for his right knee scar. His initial rating for his right knee disability prior to September 2, 2015 was denied as he had adequate range of motion. A separate 10 percent rating was granted from February 24, 2015 to September 1, 2015 for weakness and falls following meniscus surgery. The Veteran's initial rating higher than 30 percent from January 1, 2017 onward for his total right knee replacement was denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims of service connection or additional ratings based on functional impairment and lack of supporting medical records.
- Claimed conditions
- Hemorrhoids, Right Knee Scar, Right Knee Disability (Chondromalacia and Degenerative Joint Disease with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 17, 2022
- Citation
- 22069674
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 22069674.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids, so the case is dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for right knee instability, limited range of motion (ROM), and scar are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for her service-connected hemorrhoids was denied as the evidence did not show large or thrombotic, irreducible hemorrhoids with excessive redundant tissue, evidencing frequent recurrence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's hypertension, left knee flexion limitation, and instability of the left knee are all rated at their maximum allowable under VA regulations. The right knee scar is not compensable. The Board has remanded for further examination to determine the severity of these conditions without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
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