The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for right knee conditions were denied. The Board found that the earliest evidence of these conditions was not prior to the date of his supplemental claim, and thus no earlier effective dates could be granted.
The deciding factor: There is no objective evidence of limitation of flexion or meniscal tear prior to the December 2019 VA examination report, which occurred after the Veteran's separation from service. The earliest evidence establishing these conditions was not prior to his supplemental claim date.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Limitation of Flexion, Right Knee Meniscal Tear, Right Knee Strain with Shin Splints (Quiescent), Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Chondromalacia Patellae, Effusions, and Popliteal Cysts, Arthroscopic Scars of the Right Knee Status Post Meniscectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 1, 2021
- Citation
- A21016247
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 A21016247.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right knee meniscal tear, and IBS, have rendered him unable to secure or follow any substantially gainful employment from May 1, 2020 to May 1, 2021. The Board finds that the evidence is in balance, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Veteran's disability ratings for right knee hemarthrosis, limitation of flexion, and diastolic dysfunction were denied. The reduction in the rating for right knee hemarthrosis was also denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right and left knees were granted increased ratings for frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion. The issues of limited flexion and extension remain unresolved.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for increased ratings for various knee disabilities and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) due to the need for regular aid and attendance. The Veteran needs additional VA examinations to determine the severity of her service-connected knee disabilities, including whether she requires assistance with daily activities.
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