The Board granted a separate 10 percent rating for joint instability due to residuals of left knee ACL repair and TDIU prior to March 27, 2019, while dismissing the appeals for increased ratings for left ankle degenerative arthritis and left knee meniscal strain.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the Veteran's persistent knee pain, instability, and functional impairment, which warranted a separate rating for joint instability. The TDIU was granted due to the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities rendering him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 27, 2019.
- Claimed conditions
- Left ankle degenerative joint disease, Left knee meniscal strain, Limitation of flexion due to residuals of left knee ACL repair, Joint instability due to residuals of left knee ACL repair
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 27, 2025
- Citation
- 25002846
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 258 · Granted: 30% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 25002846.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for left ankle degenerative joint disease, right ankle degenerative joint disease, and lumbosacral strain as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have more nearly approximated the criteria for occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since June 5, 2020.,From June 17, 2019, multiple service-connected disabilities rendered the Veteran unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his lumbar spine and lower extremity musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, necessitate regular aid and attendance of another person. The evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether these conditions result in the need for such assistance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for a new VA examination and opinion to determine if the Veteran's left foot and ankle disabilities are caused or aggravated by his service-connected right foot and right ankle disabilities.
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