The Veteran's left knee disability was rated based on internal derangement, limitation of extension, meniscal condition, and TKA with chronic residuals. The Board found that the evidence did not meet criteria for higher ratings in some periods.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed varying degrees of symptoms including pain, swelling, instability, and functional loss but no clear indication of ankylosis or severe residual conditions as required for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee internal derangement, left knee meniscal tear, left knee limitation of extension, left total knee replacement (TKA) with chronic residuals
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 25, 2020
- Citation
- 20056162
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 20056162.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee meniscal tear and denied his request for an increased rating for left knee laxity.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection were dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran withdrew his appeal as to the issues of entitlement to increased disability ratings for left foot metatarsalgia, tinnitus, left wrist disability, right foot plantar warts, and for service connection for right foot plantar warts at a September 2024 hearing. Service connection was granted for migraines.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's rating for left knee meniscal tear from 20 percent to 10 percent was improper and restored the original 20 percent rating. The right knee disability and low back disorder issues are remanded.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and granted earlier effective dates of January 22, 2024, for the grants of service connection for right ear hearing loss, a left shoulder disability (left shoulder strain with joint instability), a low back disability (lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)), left knee strain, left knee limitation of flexion, and left knee limitation of extension.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.