The Board denied higher initial ratings for the left and right knee degenerative arthritis, but granted separate 10% ratings for instability of both knees. The claim for TDIU prior to February 27, 2017 was granted on an extraschedular basis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's knee disabilities did not meet the criteria for higher initial ratings based on limitation of motion or functional loss; however, separate compensable ratings were warranted for instability in each knee. The TDIU claim was granted due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluding gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee degenerative arthritis, right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee limitation of extension, right knee limitation of extension, left knee instability, right knee instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 8, 2025
- Citation
- 25004723
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.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for bilateral knee instability and denied service connection for right and left knee instability, finding no nexus between the Veteran's knee conditions and his service or service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for a thoracolumbar spine disorder and bilateral knee disorders due to the need for additional VA examinations.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an increased rating for right knee strain and instability but granted a separate 10 percent rating for right knee limitation of extension from November 25, 2024.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis and granted a separate 20 percent rating for right knee instability.
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