Knee decisions — 2021

The Veteran's right knee meniscus tear with frequent episodes of joint pain, locking and effusion is rated at 20 percent effective September 30, 2014. The limitation of extension is not considered for a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a left knee disability due to new and material evidence. However, it was determined that the preexisting condition worsened during service but is not considered aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a bilateral leg disorder other than already service-connected bilateral knee and ankle disability, diagnosed as gout, due to issues with VA's duty to assist in obtaining his entire service treatment record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were granted, with effective dates of April 5, 2017.

The Board has found that another remand is necessary due to non-compliance with previous remands. The case will be returned for further development and adjudication.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea and entitlement to TDIU prior to August 15, 2013. The Veteran's employment at ML was not considered marginal or in a protected environment, and his gross earnings exceeded the poverty threshold.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability was aggravated in service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee osteoarthritis, right and left ankle sprain, plantar fascia fibromatosis of the feet, and groin muscle pain of the right leg. The decision is based on credible evidence that these conditions were incurred during active service.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the neck, back, left upper arm joint, left knee, and right knee. The VA examiners found no evidence of in-service injury or illness that caused these conditions.,There is no medical record showing any chronic condition related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied service connection for headaches, finding no evidence of a current disability related to service.,The Board remanded the issues of service connection for right knee and back disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's right knee strain and lumbosacral strain have been evaluated, with the right knee receiving a maximum rating of 30 percent since May 9, 2017. The right knee instability is granted as a separate condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to incomplete development of records and conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's disabilities and his military service. The claims will be reviewed again with additional development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his right knee, PTSD and alcohol abuse, episodic, GERD, cervical spine spondylosis, and degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine disabilities are being remanded due to inadequate development. The Veteran will be scheduled for examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional VA and non-VA treatment records, as well as a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo, acid reflux, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to inadequate addendum opinions from previous VA examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is required for the Veteran's claims, including a VA examination to assess his sarcoidosis and other service-connected disabilities. The issues of entitlement to service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for migraine headaches, a right knee disability, and coronary artery disease. The Veteran is also seeking earlier effective dates for his service connection awards.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right and left ankle musculoligamentous strain, right and left knee osteoarthritis, right and left hip disabilities, and bilateral flat foot. The decisions are based on direct service connection as there is no indication of a presumption or secondary condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current left knee disorders and his military service or any service-connected disability. The Board also found that the Veteran's left knee disorders are not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected back disorder.