The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left knee flexion is being remanded due to concerns about the competence of the examiner who provided the most recent medical opinions.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was an issue regarding the competency of the physician assistant who conducted the December 2017 VA examination and provided subsequent opinions, necessitating further investigation into their qualifications.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Flexion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 5, 2021
- Citation
- 21000408
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 21000408.
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
PTSD is granted with a 100% rating effective April 17, 2020.,Right knee flexion and left knee flexion are each granted a 20% rating effective December 28, 2020.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each granted a 20% rating effective December 28, 2020.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings on his left shoulder and knee disabilities have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of higher initial ratings for limitation of flexion, extension, and instability of the left knee.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the cases of a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee flexion and total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient medical evidence from prior examinations. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further review.
- Granted
The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities were granted increased ratings from October 11, 2012 to April 28, 2022. The Veteran received a separate rating for limitation of flexion in both knees.
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.