The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities with meniscal tears have been granted separate 20 percent ratings for right and left knees. The remaining issues of increased ratings are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has satisfied the criteria for a separate 20 percent rating under DC 5258 for his bilateral knee meniscal tears, which includes frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion.
- Claimed conditions
- Right knee meniscal tear, Left knee meniscal tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 8, 2026
- Citation
- A26032600
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 A26032600.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's VR&E benefits were denied as she did not have an employment handicap and was found to be employable with her current skills, experience, and education. The appeal must be denied.
- Granted
The Board has granted an earlier effective date of March 21, 2011 for the service connection of right knee meniscal tear, with a rating of 20 percent.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability, including a meniscal tear and patellofemoral pain syndrome, was incurred during his active service. The Board found that the evidence supported this conclusion.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee meniscal tear with osteoarthritis rating was restored to 40%, and an effective date of July 26, 2013, for SMC based on need for aid and attendance was granted. The intermediate rate SMC effective date also aligns with this date.
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