The Board has determined that the AOJ made a duty to assist error in failing to obtain a medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability and his right knee condition. The case is being remanded for further action.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on an inadequate opinion from the VA examiner, which did not address whether the Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease was caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease.
- Claimed conditions
- right knee degenerative joint disease, bipartite patellae
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 16, 2024
- Citation
- A24038281
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A24038281.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee degenerative joint disease, including secondary to a service-connected left knee disability, is granted. The condition was not related to military service and no aggravation by the service-connected left knee disability could be established.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals were withdrawn, and his claims for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or other disabling conditions that would warrant higher ratings.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that his current condition is due to wear and tear from military service. The decision also grants service connection for any related joint pain.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, left arm, and right knee disabilities have been granted due to new evidence presented. The cases are being remanded for further examination and rating.
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