This decision is remanded for several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected left total knee arthroplasty and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The rating in excess of 10 percent for the left knee prior to May 12, 2015, and a rating in excess of 30 percent since June 30, 2016, are remanded. The rating in excess of 40 percent for the lumbar spine prior to August 25, 2015, and a rating in excess of 20 percent since that date are also remanded. Additionally, the reduction from 40 percent to 20 percent effective August 25, 2015, is remanded. The issue of TDIU prior to November 22, 2017, is also remanded.,Reasoning for rating in excess of 10 percent and 30 percent for left knee: The examination was inadequate as it did not include range of motion testing during flare-ups.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations were inadequate due to the lack of proper range of motion testing, including during flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- left total knee arthroplasty, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 14, 2018
- Citation
- 18157989
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 18157989.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's hypertension, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome have been granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The lumbar spine disability has also been granted but the effective date is not specified.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for various conditions, including allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, lower extremity radiculopathies, and left lower extremity radiculopathy with foot drop. The issues include determining if these conditions are related to service or other factors.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since June 30, 2018. The Board has granted a TDIU effective July 1, 2018.
- Granted
The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is denied as there was no evidence of a current disability.,Left ear hearing loss is granted, with the condition being service-connected due to exposure during active duty and worsening over time.,Service connection for reflux esophagitis with hiatal hernia is granted based on symptoms that began in-service and continue post-service.,Service connection for stenosis of the cervical spine is granted as it was likely caused by service, including combat duties.,Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is granted due to continuity of symptomatology since service.,Chronic fatigue syndrome is granted based on symptoms that began in-service and continue post-service.
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