The Board has remanded the claims for increased disability ratings for left and right total knee replacements due to inadequate examination findings, specifically regarding range of motion during flare-ups.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner was unable to provide a retrospective opinion on additional loss of range of motion during flare-ups without resorting to speculation.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Total Knee Replacement, Right Total Knee Replacement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 8, 2020
- Citation
- 20058855
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 20058855.
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 Veteran's left total knee replacement with left knee arthritis and scar, status post left knee arthroscopy, are granted a disability rating of 60 percent effective February 28, 2025.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his right knee disability is remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and consideration of medication effects.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability was granted an increased rating to 60% effective June 1, 2018. Attorney fees are eligible based on past-due benefits awarded in the December 2019 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for right knee disability and TDIU prior to March 22, 2021 due to duty to assist errors. The appellant's representative withdrew his request for a hearing.
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