The Veteran's left knee instability disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling prior to February 11, 2019. The Board finds that the evidence of record does not support a higher rating for this condition.,Since April 1, 2020, the Veteran is currently evaluated with the highest rating permissible under the schedular criteria following one-year status post total left knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the Board notes that a higher or separate rating based on involvement and dislocation of the cartilage is not appropriate.,The Veteran's entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to February 10, 2019, for left knee disability based on limitation of flexion is remanded. The Board finds that there has not been substantial compliance with this portion of the July 2021 Board remand directives.,The Veteran's entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent from January 10, 2014, to May 1, 2017, for left knee disability based on limitation of extension is also remanded. The Board finds that there has not been substantial compliance with this portion of the July 2021 Board remand directives.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher rating for the Veteran's left knee instability disability prior to February 11, 2019. The lay and medical evidence indicates that the Veteran has displayed at worst moderate lateral instability.,A higher or separate rating based on involvement and dislocation of the cartilage is not appropriate as there is no evidence in the record verifying dislocation of the left knee joint.,The July 2021 remand found that a retrospective analysis of the Veteran's left knee disability for loss of flexion and extension was needed, consistent with Correia v. McDonald (2016) and Sharp v. Shulkin (2017). The March 2022 VA addendum medical opinion is inadequate in providing such an analysis.,The July 2021 remand found that a retrospective analysis of the Veteran's left knee disability for loss of flexion and extension was needed, consistent with Correia v. McDonald (2016) and Sharp v. Shulkin (2017). The March 2022 VA addendum medical opinion is inadequate in providing such an analysis.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Instability, Residuals of Left Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 14, 2022
- Citation
- 22040339
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 22040339.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been rated and denied for increased ratings, with some conditions receiving specific disability ratings. The Veteran is granted a 60% rating for her total right knee replacement from September 4, 2015 onwards, but the other claims are denied.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board will consider all submitted evidence, including any new evidence provided by the Veteran.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's hypertension, left knee flexion limitation, and instability of the left knee are all rated at their maximum allowable under VA regulations. The right knee scar is not compensable. The Board has remanded for further examination to determine the severity of these conditions without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
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