The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee degenerative joint disease and limitation of extension, as well as a compensable rating for left thumb avulsion fracture residuals and scar, have been denied. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional development regarding service connection for right knee disorder.,Service connection for a right knee disability is also being remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were previously remanded by the Board in September 2018, and the VA examiner provided an incomplete opinion regarding direct and secondary service connection. The remand requires additional development to obtain a new medical opinion addressing these issues.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Degenerative Joint Disease, Left Thumb Avulsion Fracture Residuals and Scar, Right Knee Disorder
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 4, 2021
- Citation
- 21006600
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 21006600.
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 Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder is related to his military service and grants entitlement to service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and an initial compensable rating for TBI, as new evidence was received. The effective date for service connection for TBI is being remanded.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 40 percent for limitation of extension, effective December 18, 2025. The Veteran also received separate ratings for instability and dislocation of semilunar cartilage.
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