The Board has determined that the reduction in ratings for right knee disabilities was improper and void ab initio, and restored the original ratings. The case is now remanded to obtain a new VA examination to assess current disability levels.
The deciding factor: The reduction in ratings was based on an inadequate single examination report without addressing material improvement under ordinary conditions of life.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Limitation of Extension, Status post medial meniscectomy, right knee, Right Knee Limitation of Flexion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 28, 2018
- Citation
- 18129883
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 18129883.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's disability ratings for right knee hemarthrosis, limitation of flexion, and diastolic dysfunction were denied. The reduction in the rating for right knee hemarthrosis was also denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for increased ratings for various knee disabilities and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) due to the need for regular aid and attendance. The Veteran needs additional VA examinations to determine the severity of her service-connected knee disabilities, including whether she requires assistance with daily activities.
- Granted
The Board has granted separate ratings of 10 percent for right knee instability and limitation of extension, finding that the Veteran's symptoms do not require a prescription from a medical provider for a brace or cane.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee conditions were denied. The rating decisions addressed limitations of flexion and extension, instability, and meniscal disorders.
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