The Board granted a 60 percent evaluation for the residuals of a left total knee replacement from July 1, 2019, to December 12, 2019, and denied an evaluation in excess of 60 percent for the same period. The Board also granted a 70 percent evaluation for adjustment disorder with depressed mood.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left knee replacement had chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness during the relevant periods, warranting a 60 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5055. For the adjustment disorder with depressed mood, the evidence showed occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas but not total occupational and social impairment, supporting a 70 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of a left total knee replacement, Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- March 24, 2025
- Citation
- A25026925
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's service-connected disabilities, primarily migraines with tension headaches, rendered him unemployable from July 25, 2023, and he is eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits starting the same date. He also qualifies for special monthly compensation based on housebound status as of October 9, 2023.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood was granted a 50 percent rating, while other claims for increased ratings were denied. Service connection for tinnitus was also granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and left ankle degenerative joint disease due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service stressors and medical nexus.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.