Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The Board found that the current disability ratings did not accurately reflect the level of severity of his bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the AOJ should clarify the current ratings for the Veteran's left knee disability, as there was an error in reactivating a previously terminated service-connected condition. The Veteran is currently rated at 40 percent for his meniscal tear and reconstruction with limitation of motion.

The Veteran's migraines and fibromyalgia are presumed to have been caused by exposure to fine, particulate matter in Southwest Asia. The bilateral knee condition is at least as likely as not related to service. The low back disability is also at least as likely as not related to service. The bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is at least as likely as not related to the service-connected low back disability. The acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety) is at least as likely as not related to service.,The Veteran's traumatic brain injury and cervical spine disabilities are remanded due to a lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, including left knee, right knee, left shoulder, right shoulder, and coronary artery disease, have been denied. The Board found no evidence linking these disabilities to the Veteran's active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee disability, left knee arthritis, and bilateral knee instability. The decision is based on the Veteran's competent and credible lay evidence regarding the onset of symptoms in service.

The Board denied service connection for a lower back condition and right knee condition, finding no current disability or causal relationship to service. The left ankle disability was remanded due to insufficient evidence.,Service connection for the right knee osteoarthritis was granted based on a current diagnosis, but not established by in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to August 14, 2023.

The Veteran's chronic headaches are granted as secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis. The left and right knee disabilities, sinusitis, tinea pedis, and sleep apnea are denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for his left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and left ankle condition have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran's representative.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis is dismissed. The claims for service connection for psychiatric disability, bilateral hearing loss, and other conditions are granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for sinusitis and remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic lower back pain, right knee pain, left knee pain, neck pain, and GERD.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability for the conditions claimed, and thus service connection cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the severity of his left knee disability, including without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of permanent and total disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, and increased evaluations for lumbar degenerative disc disease, right hip strain (limitation of extension), right knee instability, and PTSD were dismissed due to concurrent review elections. The appeal for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for a lumbar disability was also dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to errors in obtaining relevant medical records and authorization for private treatment providers. The issues include heart disorder, OSA, sinusitis, lumbar spine disorder, and right knee disorder all related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations. The AOJ is instructed to obtain private treatment records from Mays & Schnapp Pain Management and schedule the Veteran for additional medical examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, and will need an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right knee disorder is related to his parachute jumps during service.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for his service-connected left shoulder tendonitis, right shoulder tendonitis, left knee tendonitis, and right elbow tendinitis (impairment of supination and pronation) have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his service-connected right elbow tendinitis (limitation of flexion) has also been denied.