The Board denied increased ratings for left ear hearing loss, left knee ACL tear instability, left knee limitation of extension, and left knee painful flexion. The claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, right knee pain, right shoulder pain, and traumatic brain injury were remanded.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a compensable rating for the Veteran's hearing loss or increased ratings for his knee conditions due to insufficient symptomatology. The Board found that the claims for service connection should be further developed before adjudication.
- Claimed conditions
- Left ear hearing loss, Left knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, Left knee ACL tear with limitation of extension, Left knee ACL tear with painful flexion, Left knee surgical scarring, Obstructive sleep apnea, Right knee pain, Right shoulder pain, Traumatic brain injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 2, 2025
- Citation
- A25057357
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's left knee strain, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and service connection for a right ankle disorder. Other claims were denied or remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, chronic rhinitis, and obstructive sleep apnea. The headache claim was remanded for further examination.
- Partly granted
The appeal was denied for service connection of a cervical spine disorder, and several claims were remanded for further development.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R(1) rate due to his need for regular aid and attendance.
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