The Veteran's request for increased ratings for his right knee and hip disabilities, as well as a TDIU, was denied. The right knee rating is denied due to failure to report for a VA examination without good cause shown.,The Veteran's psychiatric disorder (alcohol use disorder with major depressive disorder) did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran failed to report for a required VA examination, which resulted in denial of his increased ratings claims. The evidence did not show occupational and social impairment that would warrant a higher rating.,The psychiatric symptoms were not severe enough to meet the criteria for a 70% or higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- right knee joint osteoarthritis with post-traumatic arthritis, gout and suprapatellar knee effusion, alcohol use disorder with major depressive disorder with anxious distress, osteoarthritis, right hip limitation of abduction, osteoarthritis, left hip limitation of abduction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 20, 2026
- Citation
- A26036487
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 A26036487.
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- Denied
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- Denied
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- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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