The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for left glenohumeral joint instability, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right and left knee lateral instability was denied. The Board found no evidence of a rating in excess of 20 percent for the left shoulder disability or a rating in excess of 10 percent for either knee condition.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is remanded as there are conflicting statements about his combat experience and he has not been diagnosed with PTSD related to combat.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of the Veteran's knee conditions or shoulder disability. The Veteran's lay reports were considered, but they did not indicate limitation in motion consistent with a 30 percent rating.,There is conflicting evidence about whether the Veteran served in combat and therefore had PTSD related to service. A remand was ordered to clarify his diagnoses and determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Left glenohumeral joint instability, Left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, Right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, Right knee lateral instability, Left knee lateral instability
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20020700
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 20020700.
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 Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating of his low back, right knee, and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome disabilities due to a duty to assist error. The VA examinations were inadequate as they did not consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding flare-ups and functional loss/impairment.
- Granted
The Board has granted the appellant's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including cervical strain, elbow and knee conditions, radiculopathy of upper and lower extremities, thoracolumbar strain, and GERD. The effective date is set at September 13, 2023.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need of regular aid and attendance due to his psychiatric symptoms.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee surgical scar and lateral instability have been granted initial disability ratings of 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively. However, the Veteran's sinus bradycardia and palpitations are denied a higher rating.
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