Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee arthritis, finding that the Veteran's statements of continuity of symptoms since service are credible enough to establish service connection.

The Veteran's initial rating for degenerative arthritis and right knee strain was denied, but the rating was changed to a higher evaluation of 10 percent since August 24, 2023.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, left knee, and right knee conditions due to incomplete records and inadequate opinions. The AOJ is required to obtain relevant service and private medical records and provide an adequate opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability ratings for left knee strain with tendinopathy based on instability and limitation of flexion/extension prior to March 19, 2021, are denied. Ratings in excess of the assigned percentages are also denied.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased rating claims have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee disability and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (LLE) was denied. The right knee disability is rated at 60 percent, effective December 30, 2022.

The Veteran's right and left knee instability and chondromalacia patella with lateral subluxation have been granted increased ratings, effective from February 19, 2021.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for eczema, left knee disability, right knee disability, and back disability are being remanded to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability is granted as service-connected, but the right side pseudoaneurysm issue is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board has dismissed the claim for a compensable evaluation for scar, fibrosis of the left cheek above the upper lip. The remaining issues have been remanded: right knee disability, prostate disability (including prostatitis (BPH), chronic epididymitis, urinary dysfunction), chronic sinusitis (including allergic rhinitis), and chronic bronchitis (including asthma).

The Board has remanded the claims for neck disability, nerve disability affecting right upper extremity (CTS), and right knee disability due to inadequate medical opinions in previous VA examinations. The claims will be reviewed again with new medical opinions.

The Veteran's gouty arthritis, right knee chondromalacia patella with gout, left knee gout, and various hand and finger conditions are rated based on their impact on joint function.,A total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is granted.

The Veteran's right knee condition was not incurred or aggravated by active service.,The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU effective January 28, 2014 due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The left and right knee disabilities are denied, as well as the bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's PFB is not rated higher than the initial noncompensable rating.,PTSD has been granted, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the prior remand directives were not substantially complied with and has ordered a new VA examination for the Veteran's bilateral knee conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a left knee disability and dental disability due to outstanding non-VA treatment records that need to be obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have made it impossible for him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left knee instability prior to June 23, 2014 due to incomplete VA and private treatment records not being obtained as per previous remand directives.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to her service-connected low back and left knee disabilities, finding that she is not precluded from securing or following substantially gainful employment.