The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his right knee condition and instability are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The VA is required to provide an adequate examination that includes joint stability testing, estimates of functional loss during flare-ups or repeated use, and a clear explanation if such information cannot be obtained.
The deciding factor: The Board found the previous examination reports inadequate for adjudicating the Veteran's claims due to insufficient information regarding functional loss during flare-ups or repeated use over time, as well as the lack of joint stability testing.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Right Knee, Instability of the Right Knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20055018
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 20055018.
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 right knee condition is rated at 30 percent for the period beginning February 2, 2024. The rating was denied as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU due to inadequate medical examination reports in his previous case. The AOJ is instructed to arrange a new right knee examination, considering the Veteran's incarceration status.
- Denied
The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded all substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him, from April 1, 2011, but no earlier.
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