The Veteran's partial tear, anterior cruciate ligament, right knee, post-operative, with scars and instability, rated as 20 percent disabling for the rating period prior to April 20, 2022, was denied.,The Veteran's right knee, status-post surgery, partial tear, anterior cruciate ligament, with limitation of motion, rated as 10 percent disabling for the rating period prior to April 20, 2022, was denied.,The Veteran's right total knee replacement is now rated at 30 percent since October 1, 2022.,The Veteran's right total ankle replacement remains rated at 40 percent since September 26, 2017.,The Veteran has been granted TDIU.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's partial tear, anterior cruciate ligament, right knee, post-operative, with scars and instability, did not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation under either the old or new rating criteria. The symptoms of moderate instability were considered.,The Veteran's right knee, status-post surgery, partial tear, anterior cruciate ligament, with limitation of motion, did not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation as his flexion was limited to 125 degrees, which is within the range for a 10 percent rating. The Veteran reported pain on motion and weakness.,The Veteran's right total knee replacement met the criteria for a 30 percent disability evaluation under the new rating criteria due to complaints of pain, limitation of flexion, and weakness.,The Veteran's right total ankle replacement did not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation as his symptoms were rated at 40 percent since September 26, 2017. The Veteran had chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion and weakness.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Partial tear, anterior cruciate ligament, right knee, Right ankle, status-post total ankle replacement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 31, 2022
- Citation
- 22072176
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 22072176.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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