The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The left forearm fracture (malunion) and left elbow osteoarthritis are both remanded for further review.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code, including due to pain or other functional loss.
- Claimed conditions
- Left forearm fracture (malunion), Left elbow osteoarthritis, Neck disability (claimed as neck spasms)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20048226
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 20048226.
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 Board has determined that the Veteran's current left elbow osteoarthritis is not related to his military service, as there was no evidence of arthritis within one year of separation and the condition developed decades after service.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings in excess of 20 percent for traumatic arthritis of the left elbow, left elbow osteoarthritis, and a right knee disability with limitation of flexion. The Veteran's appeal for an increased compensable rating for right knee instability is remanded. Appeals for increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity sciatic neuropathy and right lower extremity sciatic neuropathy are also remanded. The TDIU claim is deferred pending adjudication of the above-mentioned issues.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral elbow and wrist disabilities due to a lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for right and left elbow osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.
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