The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is not manifested by polyps or greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides. The claim for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is denied.,For the entire period on appeal, the Veteran's left shoulder tendonitis more closely approximates objective pain with range of motion, and range of motion less than 25 degrees from the side. This is the maximum rating under the Diagnostic Code. The claim for an initial compensable rating for left shoulder tendonitis is denied.,The criteria for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for left shoulder tendonitis, from December 22, 2021, have not been met. The claim for a higher rating for left shoulder tendonitis is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected right knee patellofemoral syndrome is manifested by slight lateral instability. The criteria for an initial compensable rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome, limitation of extension, are not met. The claim for a higher rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome, limitation of extension, is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected right knee patellofemoral syndrome is manifested by slight lateral instability. The criteria for a separate 10 percent rating, but no higher, for right knee instability are met. The claim for a separate rating for right knee instability is granted.

The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not demonstrate the existence of polyps or greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides due to rhinitis.,The December 2021 examination report noted shoulder flexion as low as 40 degrees. The AOJ granted a 30 percent rating based on the December 2021 examination report, which best represents the severity of the Veteran's left shoulder condition for the entire period on appeal.,The evidence does not demonstrate limitation of motion meeting the criteria for an increased rating by either competent lay or medical evidence. The claim for a higher rating for left shoulder tendonitis is denied.,The medical evidence does not demonstrate limitation of flexion to 45 degrees or less or limitation of extension to 10 degrees or greater. The claim for a higher rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome, limitation of extension, is denied.,Based on the above evidence, the Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to a separate disability rating of 10 percent throughout the entire period on appeal for slight right knee instability.

Claimed conditions

Allergic rhinitis, Left shoulder tendonitis, Right knee patellofemoral syndrome

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

August 25, 2022

Citation

22048387

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 22048387.