The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating due to limited flexion.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain is currently rated at 40 percent and no higher. The evidence does not support an increase in this rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome has been evaluated based on limitation of flexion, with the most recent examination showing flexion limited to 120 degrees. A higher evaluation requires flexion limited to 30 degrees or less.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Thoracolumbar Strain
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 20, 2023
- Citation
- 23017346
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 23017346.
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's service-connected bilateral pes planus has been restored to a 30% evaluation effective September 1, 2020. The evaluations for right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating.,Right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome are both currently rated at 10 percent. The Veteran seeks increased ratings for these conditions.,Lumbosacral strain is also rated at 10 percent, and the Veteran seeks an increase in this rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, TBI, and cognitive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since July 19, 2023. The Board has granted an earlier effective date for the TDIU with SMC based on housebound criteria.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for clarification of the severity of his bilateral knee and hip disabilities without ameliorative effects of any medication. Additional development may include scheduling a new examination if necessary.
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