The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings but granted a separate rating of 10 percent for left knee instability. The issue of total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was remanded.

The deciding factor: The decision was based on the lack of evidence showing an increase in disability within one year prior to the claim submission and the maximum rating allowed for the knees under the amputation rule.

Claimed conditions

left knee scar, right knee scar, right knee degenerative joint disease with valgus deformity and osteochondritis dissecans, left knee degenerative joint disease with valgus deformity

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

January 15, 2025

Citation

A25003690

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