The Veteran's right knee instability is rated as 10 percent disabling, and GERD was rated at 10 percent prior to March 25, 2013. Beginning from that date, the Veteran's GERD warrants a 30 percent rating.,Right ankle disability is remanded for potential extraschedular consideration due to instability causing episodes of 'giving out' and falls.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows right knee instability warranting a separate 10% rating, but no higher. GERD prior to March 25, 2013 met criteria for a 10% rating due to symptoms like pyrosis, regurgitation and dysphagia. From that date onwards, the Veteran's symptoms warranted a 30% rating.,Right ankle disability causes instability leading to episodes of 'giving out' and falls, impacting employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 20, 2018
- Citation
- 18159706
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 18159706.
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 acquired psychiatric disorder is granted a 70% rating, effective July 15, 2024. The Veteran's GERD remains at a 10% rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating prior to July 29, 2024. The GERD rating remains at 30 percent disabled but no higher.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's IBS with GERD was granted an initial 60 percent rating. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions and development.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for various knee and back disabilities, as well as radiculopathy in the right lower extremity (RLE) and left lower extremity (LLE), have been granted. Service connection is also granted for a right hip disability secondary to his back disability.
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