The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish an in-service stressor related to posttraumatic stress disorder, and denied entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to January 26, 2021 and thereafter for right knee instability, and entitlement to a compensable rating for right knee limitation of extension. The Veteran's claim for increased rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome with osteoarthritis and patellar spur was remanded.
The deciding factor: The in-service stressor related to posttraumatic stress disorder could not be verified, and the evidence did not establish an in-service stressor related to the Veteran's claimed incident/event. The Board found that the Veteran's right knee instability and limitation of extension were not at least as likely as not related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Right Knee Instability, Right Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome with Osteoarthritis and Patellar Spur, Right Knee Limitation of Extension
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 18, 2023
- Citation
- 23016680
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 23016680.
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
Service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is granted. The appeal as to the issue of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction is dismissed.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right knee strain (painful motion), and right knee instability are now rated at 30 percent effective August 16, 2017.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder was denied, and he was granted a TDIU. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet criteria for a 100% disability rating.
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