The Veteran's reduction from 20 to 10 percent for his right knee disability was not proper, and the prior 20 percent rating must be restored.
The deciding factor: The reduction in evaluation did not reflect actual improvement as evidenced by the Veteran’s statements of worsening symptoms and inability to perform daily activities.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Limitation of Flexion, Stability of Right Knee, Removal of Meniscus of the Right Knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 27, 2018
- Citation
- 18160612
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 18160612.
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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's right ankle and knee disabilities have been granted increased ratings, with the highest rating of 50% for right knee limitation of extension from September 1, 2023 to June 24, 2024. Other issues related to instability and locking have also been addressed.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.