The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and instability were evaluated at non-compensable levels prior to February 24, 2020. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's right knee instability was rated at 10 percent from October 23, 2017 to February 24, 2020. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's right total knee replacement has been assigned a 30 percent disability rating since April 1, 2021. The claim for a higher rating is remanded.
The deciding factor: There was no evidence of more severe symptoms such as limitation of motion to support a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's instability was rated at the lowest level (10%) throughout the period prior to February 24, 2020 and there is no basis for a higher evaluation in this case.,There is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran’s right knee disability has worsened since April 1, 2021.
- Claimed conditions
- Right knee osteoarthritis, Right knee instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 9, 2020
- Citation
- 20077960
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 20077960.
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 right knee disability, including limitation of extension and flexion, instability, and meniscus condition, is now rated at 20 percent effective March 7, 2020.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee instability is granted, with a 30 percent rating. The claims for increased ratings for right knee osteoarthritis (flexion) and left hip strain, osteoarthritis and bursitis based on painful motion are denied. The claim for an increased rating for right ankle osteoarthritis is also denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of extension and flexion, instability, and meniscus condition, is now rated at 20 percent effective March 7, 2020.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the aggravation of a preexisting right knee condition during service. The Veteran's right knee condition was noted prior to service, and the VA examiner concluded it did not worsen beyond its natural progression.
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