The Board denied increased ratings for COPD with OSA, headaches, and hypertension, but granted a separate 20 percent rating for meniscal tear of the left knee from August 27, 2019.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the severity of the Veteran's conditions as reflected in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and other medical evidence, which did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Headaches, Hypertension, Meniscal Tear of the Left Knee, Left Knee Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) S/P Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Meniscus Tear (Limitation of Flexion), Left Knee PFPS Status Post ACL and Meniscus Tear (Limitation of Extension), Left Knee PFPS Status Post ACL and Meniscus Tear (Instability), Left Knee Scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 19, 2025
- Citation
- A25044585
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension, to include as secondary to left orchiectomy, for further development in accordance with the PACT Act.
- Partly granted
The Board granted readjudication of previously denied claims for service connection for PTSD and COPD, while remanding other issues including entitlement to service connection for an eye disorder, hypertension, tinnitus, a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, TDIU, and an initial rating for PTSD.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various disabilities and denied higher ratings for several service-connected conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, asthma/lung disease, vision disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, leukocytosis, kidney disease/kidney stones, enlarged prostate, sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar spine disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability.
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