The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of extension and noncompensable for limitation of flexion. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran’s low back strain has been rated as 20 percent prior to January 22, 2019 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter. The Board finds that there is no evidence supporting a higher rating for this condition.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran’s right shoulder strain (major) is currently rated as 20 percent. The Board finds that there is no evidence supporting a higher rating for this condition.,The Veteran's right knee disability remains in appellate status and requires further examination.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support the assignment of higher ratings for any of the conditions, including left knee patellofemoral syndrome, low back strain, allergic rhinitis, or right shoulder strain (major).
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome, Degenerative Arthritis of Bilateral Knees
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20049370
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 20049370.
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 dismissed the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and has remanded his claims for initial rating determinations due to the need for additional medical opinions.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for PTSD, an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for acquired psychiatric disorder, and increased ratings for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was also remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied ratings in excess of the current assigned ratings for various service-connected conditions, including major depressive disorder and musculoskeletal issues, as well as a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
- Partly granted
The Board restored the 20 percent rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease, finding that the reduction was improper. The other claims for increased ratings were denied.
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