The appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD is dismissed. The Veteran was granted separate evaluations of 10 percent for right and left knee instability, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was also granted.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's knee disabilities did not meet the criteria for higher ratings due to limited flexion or extension, but he was granted separate evaluations for instability. The inability to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities led to the grant of TDIU.

Claimed conditions

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Right knee meniscal tear, patellofemoral pain syndrome and genu valgum, Left knee osteoarthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome and genu valgum

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

100%

Decision date

March 3, 2025

Citation

A25018913

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine