Knee decisions — 2020

The Board has granted a 20% rating for the Veteran's right knee disability from April 10, 2015, until October 1, 2015. This is based on symptoms including frequent episodes of locking and pain in the joint.

The Veteran's lower back disorder and left knee disability have been granted service connection. The right hip and right knee issues are still under review.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations, as well as obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. The Veteran is also being asked to provide private medical records from Cleveland Clinic.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by arthritis and meniscus tear post-meniscectomy, is currently rated at 10 percent for instability of the knee. The Board has granted a separate rating for effusion into the joint.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination regarding the Veteran's complaints of lateral instability when standing from a sitting or squatting position. The claim is now pending for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, granted service connection for asthma secondary to obstructive sleep apnea, and granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to depression.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability is granted a separate evaluation of 10 percent for slight instability, but an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for painful motion is denied. The low back and left knee disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of a bilateral knee disability. The Veteran's claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of a VA examination or opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral knee disability, which may be related to service. The AOJ is instructed to obtain relevant treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee disability with shin splints and effective date of February 7, 2018. Service connection for left knee scars was also granted on the same day.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine, left knee, right knee, and right shoulder disabilities due to a lack of current diagnoses.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to duty-to-assist errors. The VA medical opinion is inadequate, and additional records are needed.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, but the appellant paid for his burial expenses and filed a timely claim. The Board found that the criteria for nonservice-connected burial benefits were met.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his right knee patellofemoral syndrome is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination and the need for additional information regarding flare-ups.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to warrant readjudication of the claims for service connection for peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities, left knee disorder, and depression. However, a remand is required due to the failure to obtain VA treatment records from the Charleston VA Medical Center dated in the 1970s.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left knee disability, as well as consideration of secondary service connection based on his right ankle disability.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and left knee degenerative arthritis. The decision is remanded to determine the etiology of the Veteran's left ankle conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for right shin splints, left shin splints, right knee patellar tendonitis, and left knee patellar tendonitis. Service connection was denied for a right ankle disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been remanded due to the need for further development. The issues of service connection remain unresolved.