The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his right knee meniscal tear with muscle atrophy.,For the left thumb, the Veteran seeks an increased rating. The current 10 percent rating already contemplates any functional impairment related to pain and weakness.,Service connection has been granted for epidermal inclusion cysts. These were initially diagnosed during service and have persisted since then.,The Veteran's claims for Achilles tendonitis of both ankles are denied as there is no evidence of current disability.

The deciding factor: Further development is needed to determine the extent of the right knee meniscal tear with muscle atrophy, including any potential aggravation by other service-connected conditions.,The Veteran's left thumb strain does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there is no gap between the thumb pad and fingers or unfavorable ankylosis.,Service connection has been established based on continuity of symptomatology since service. The current evidence shows that the cysts were initially diagnosed during service and have persisted.,There is no current diagnosis of Achilles tendonitis for either ankle, as post-service records do not show any such condition.

Claimed conditions

Increased initial rating for chronic strain of left thumb, Increased initial rating for limitation of motion of left fourth finger, Service connection for epidermal inclusion cysts, {"condition_name":"Achilles tendonitis, left ankle and right ankle","issue":["Service connection for Achilles tendonitis of left ankle","Service connection for Achilles tendonitis of right ankle"]}

How they argued it

Not specified

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

April 9, 2019

Citation

19126929