The Veteran's left knee bipartite patella with knee and meniscal tear is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's left knee instability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran has been assigned a maximum 30 percent rating for IBS effective October 21, 2020. The claim of an earlier effective date remains pending.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, which is required for a higher rating under DC 5260.,The Veteran's instability in the left knee was found to be slight to moderate and consistent with the current 20 percent ratings assigned under Diagnostic Code 5257.,The effective date of the 30 percent rating for IBS is incorrect, as the Veteran disagrees.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee bipartite patella with knee sprain and meniscal tear, left knee instability, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 2, 2021
- Citation
- 21005718
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 21005718.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The issues related to service connection for various conditions and disability ratings.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as the evidence did not establish that he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.
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