Knee decisions — 2021

The Board denied service connection for left knee condition, back condition, and bilateral lower extremities sciatica as there is no evidence of current disabilities or impairment related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and earlier effective dates for left knee DJD, instability, and associated scars have been denied. The effective date of the service connection awards is August 30, 2011.

The Veteran's low back disability, including degenerative arthritis, spinal stenosis, and intervertebral disc syndrome, is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The rating for the right knee instability remains remanded, as does the ratings for left knee strain and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to a duty-to-assist error in the August 2019 decision. The Veteran's representative argued that VA should have clarified how the January 2018 VA examiner reached their opinion regarding the onset of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal as his substantive appeal was not timely filed, and thus he did not have a valid appeal to review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a separate 10 percent rating, but not higher, for a painful scar of the left knee are granted. The claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected hypertension is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed as she has withdrawn her appeals regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including instability, is rated at 20 percent effective June 8, 2021.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee ACL disability and a separate rating for left knee instability due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the reduction in rating of a left knee disability from 20 percent to 10 percent was improper and restored the original rating. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities have been granted a 20% rating since February 9, 2018. The left knee disability has also been granted a 20% rating since February 9, 2018.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral shoulder impingement syndrome, C4-C5 central disc protrusion with spondylosis, kidney disability, numbness and paresthesias of the bilateral hands, left hip painful flexion, right hip painful extension and flexion, left hip proximal femur stress fracture, right hip proximal femur stress fracture, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain for further development.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, and the effective date for a 20% rating for his left shoulder disability is set at September 1, 2014. Service connection for left shoulder residual scars is also granted with an effective date of July 18, 2014. The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral syndrome and limitation of extension ratings are all remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and lack of clear and unmistakable evidence regarding pre-existing right knee condition. The Veteran's current right knee disability is being reviewed for possible service connection.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal, leaving no issues for the Board to review.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis with limitation of extension and flexion is rated at 20 percent, effective from April 30, 2021. The left knee disability with limitation of extension and flexion is also rated at 20 percent, effective from April 30, 2021.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left knee, left hand, and right hand disabilities due to inadequate VA opinions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral spine pain with degenerative disc disease and remanded other issues. Additional development is required to address all claims.