The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee degenerative joint disease with limitation of extension and flexion are remanded due to inconsistencies in the July 2019 VA examiner's findings. The Board requires a new medical opinion to reconcile these inconsistencies.
The deciding factor: The July 2019 VA examiner's statements were contradictory, requiring a retrospective opinion to provide clarity on the Veteran's left knee range of motion from May 2007 to August 2008.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee degenerative joint disease (DJD) with limitation of extension, left knee DJD with limitation of flexion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 20, 2022
- Citation
- 22070849
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 22070849.
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 Veteran was granted a 30 percent rating for left knee degenerative joint disease (DJD) with limitation of extension from October 22, 2002 until September 27, 2024, and 40 percent thereafter; a 10 percent rating for left knee DJD with limitation of flexion from October 22, 2002; and a maximum 30 percent rating for left knee DJD with instability from March 13, 2006. He was also granted a total disability based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) from December 3, 2002.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several claims related to the Veteran's knee disabilities, including those for increased ratings and TDIU. The appeals remain in controversy as the AOJ did not grant the maximum available benefits.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee DJD with limitation of extension and flexion are being remanded due to inconsistencies in the July 2019 VA examiner's findings. The Board requests a retrospective opinion from Dr. T.N., or another qualified clinician, to reconcile these inconsistencies.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as he died during their pendency.
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