The Board has determined that the VA examinations for the Veteran's lumbar disability, right Achilles tendon disability, and left knee disability are inadequate. The Veteran is entitled to increased initial ratings for these conditions but needs further development including new VA examinations.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not adequately address functional loss due to flare-ups or repetitive use over time, which could impact the determination of appropriate rating levels.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar disability, right Achilles tendon disability, left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 12, 2023
- Citation
- 23050458
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 23050458.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating of PTSD, service connection for right elbow disability, muscle/joint pain, and chronic fatigue have been dismissed due to his withdrawal at a January 2025 Board hearing.,Service connection has been granted for IBS on a presumptive basis as a qualifying chronic disability under the Gulf War category.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection regarding his left knee, right knee condition, and coronary artery disease require further examination and medical opinion due to a lack of a VA examination in connection with these claims.
- Granted
The Veteran's left ankle disability is granted service connection, and he receives a 10% rating for his right and left knee disabilities based on limitation of motion. Separate 20% ratings are assigned for instability in both knees.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for her left knee disability has been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
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