The Veteran's hypertensive heart disease, left knee disability (limitation of extension), and right knee disability status post replacement are all remanded for further evaluation. Additionally, the Veteran is seeking SMC based on need for aid and attendance or loss of use of extremities.
The deciding factor: Further medical examination is needed to determine eligibility for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or loss of use of extremities due to service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Hypertensive Heart Disease, Left Knee Disability (limitation of extension), Right Knee Disability (status post replacement)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 6, 2024
- Citation
- 24006323
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 24006323.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's CAD warrants a 60 percent rating, but the Board has determined that an earlier effective date is warranted due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding direct service connection.
- Granted
The Board granted a 30 percent rating for coronary heart disease effective February 10, 2021. The Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date or increased rating.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted SMC at the rate of 50% for his service-connected conditions from April 20, 2020 to June 7, 2021.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for service-connected erectile dysfunction was granted. The claim for an increased rating in excess of 60 percent disabling for service-connected hypertensive heart disease prior to March 31, 2023 was denied.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.