The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for her service-connected herpes zoster has been denied as she is already receiving the maximum schedular rating.,Her entitlement to a higher rating for her right knee disability remains pending, and further examination is required to assess functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigue, etc.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's herpes zoster has been rated based on its manifestations under Diagnostic Code 7806 of the skin disorders schedule. The current rating reflects her condition as affecting less than five percent of her total body area and she does not have any disfigurement, scars or other pertinent physical findings that would warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's right knee disability is rated based on limitation of flexion under Diagnostic Code 5260. The current rating reflects limitation to 10 degrees of flexion. Further examination is needed to assess the extent of additional functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigue, etc., during flare-ups and repetitive use.
- Claimed conditions
- Herpes Zoster
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 31, 2019
- Citation
- 19182215
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for PTSD, allergic rhinitis, and herpes zoster was withdrawn. Service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome is granted.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as there is no evidence that his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current left shoulder, right knee, or left knee disabilities that began during service or as a consequence of service. The veteran's skin conditions are secondary to his service-connected perianal dermatitis.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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