The appeal for higher staged disability ratings for the service-connected left ankle prior to 2007, extension of temporary total benefit for convalescence beyond August 1, 2010, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is remanded.
The deciding factor: The appeal involves multiple issues related to the Veteran's left ankle and knee disabilities, including staged ratings for prior periods, extension of convalescence benefits, and TDIU. The appeals are not fully addressed in this decision as further development is needed.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee, Left Ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 8, 2020
- Citation
- 20038849
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20038849.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an extension of a temporary total evaluation based on convalescence for left ankle surgery beyond July 1, 2019, as there were no severe postoperative residuals after this date.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities have been granted, with a rating of 30% for each knee. The Veteran is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities due to insufficient detail in the VA examination report. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to address whether he has subluxation, instability, or semilunar cartilage condition of either knee and what causes his reports of giving way.
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