The Board remands the claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left knee flexion and a compensable evaluation for left knee extension due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
The deciding factor: A medical examination that fully addresses the Veteran's contentions is required as the effects of medication are not specifically contemplated by the rating criteria, making it impossible to establish the level of functioning of the Veteran's left knee disability without the use of medication.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee joint osteoarthritis, limitation of flexion, left knee limitation of extension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 20, 2025
- Citation
- A25026091
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 Board remands the claims for service connection to left knee joint osteoarthritis as secondary to lumbosacral strain and spinal stenosis, and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to an inadequate VA examination.
- Partly granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for adjustment disorder, bilateral pes planus, right knee limitation of extension, and left knee limitation of extension. The Board also granted service connection for a back condition as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for an initial disability rating for left knee limitation of flexion and extension, as well as entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), due to additional development necessary.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for left and right knee locking, but remanded evaluations greater than 10 percent for bilateral knee limitation of flexion, limitation of extension, and scars.
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