The Veteran's initial disability ratings for his left knee meniscal tear with arthritis and right knee arthritis have been denied.,A separate 20 percent rating has been granted for the Veteran's left knee meniscal tear under Diagnostic Code 5258. The Veteran's right knee arthritis remains at a 10 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support higher ratings due to functional impairment or additional symptoms beyond those already considered in the current disability ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Meniscal tear of the left knee with arthritis, Chronic bronchitis
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 27, 2020
- Citation
- 20056776
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 20056776.
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 Veteran's appeal is about whether he should be granted a separate compensable rating for his chronic cough disability, which is distinct from his service-connected respiratory disabilities. The Board finds that the VA did not properly address this issue and requires further examination to determine if the Veteran has a separate chronic cough disability.
- Partly granted
The Board denied earlier effective dates for increased ratings and granted earlier effective dates for certain hip conditions, while restoring some disability ratings.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 70 percent rating for his service-connected psychiatric disability, finding that May 9, 2022, was the earliest date as of which it was factually ascertainable based on all evidence of record that an increase in disability had occurred.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for prostate cancer residuals and remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic bronchitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis.
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.