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
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,081 · Granted: 38% (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 A25018913.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for a right knee scar secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability status post knee replacement. However, the rating for PTSD remains at 30 percent and needs to be re-adjudicated due to a failure to obtain private mental health treatment records.
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