The RO reduced the ratings for several service-connected conditions, but found that the reductions were not supported by evidence of actual improvement. The case is remanded to determine if there has been an actual change in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary life conditions.
The deciding factor: The reduction was based on a single VA examination report which did not include necessary stability and range of motion testing for knee instability, leading to a lack of evidence supporting the reduction.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Meniscectomy, Arthritis of Left Knee with Limitation of Motion, Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of Lumbar Spine, Peroneus Brevis Tendonitis of Left Foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 3, 2018
- Citation
- 18115579
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 18115579.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left knee disability is denied. The issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and TDIU are remanded.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from substantially gainful employment based on his educational and occupational background.
- Denied
The Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis and back disability have been rated at the maximum available under VA regulations, with no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions warranting higher ratings.,For her lower extremity radiculopathy, a separate rating is granted from January 31, 2014 to June 13, 2016; however, a higher rating is denied after that period.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions considering all evidence, including lay statements. The claims will be reviewed again with new medical opinions.
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