The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the inadequacy of a recent VA examination.
The deciding factor: The July 2021 VA examination was deemed inadequate, particularly regarding the use of a goniometer on the right knee. The Board found that this could have affected the accuracy of the examination results and thus violated the duty to assist.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee traumatic arthritis, right knee traumatic arthritis, limitation of extension in right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 8, 2021
- Citation
- A21016518
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A21016518.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial rating for left knee disability, characterized by painful motion but not ankylosis, flexion limited to 45 degrees or less, extension of 10 degrees or greater, instability, or subluxation, was denied as his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine and left knee traumatic arthritis have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a scheduled hearing.
- Partly granted
The Board granted restoration of the 10 percent evaluation for left knee meniscus, effective April 21, 2025, and an additional 20 percent rating was also granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of increased ratings for right knee and left knee disabilities, as well as a rating for PTSD and major depressive disorder, due to insufficient evidence.
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