Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for separate ratings for right and left knee instability, as these conditions are already contemplated by his current rating of 100% based on loss of use of the lower extremities. The case is being remanded to address the issue of increased special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Board dismissed all appeals as the Veteran withdrew his appeals prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's back disability, right knee disability, and right hip disability are granted as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.,For the period of appeal prior to July 5, 2019, entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for impairment of the left thigh is remanded.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hemorrhoids, and a bilateral knee disability due to new and material evidence. The claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability is being remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations for cervical spine disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, and bilateral knee disorders are inadequate. The Veteran must be afforded new examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including left ankle, foot, wrist, shoulder, low back, and right knee injuries. The VA examinations are needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's right and left knee instability have been granted a 20 percent rating since July 21, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder and bilateral knee disorders, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active service, including parachute jumps and injuries sustained during deployment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left knee arthritis are being remanded due to inconsistencies in the November 2019 VA examination report. The Board is instructed to reconcile these contradictions before proceeding with a determination of the appropriate rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation of the Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of extension and flexion. The VA examiner is to provide an opinion on functional impairment during flare-ups and repeated use over time.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings and service connection, leaving no issues for the Board to consider.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee DJD due to a lack of recent VA treatment records. The AOJ is required to obtain all outstanding VA treatment records from the date of separation in February 2010.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with effective dates determined based on the receipt of formal or informal claims. The Board also found that his chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, left knee osteoarthritis, and right hand degenerative joint disease are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the presence and etiology of a low back condition and left knee condition.,The Veteran's right ankle disability remains rated at 10 percent, with no higher rating granted. His bilateral ingrown toenails are currently rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of right knee degenerative joint disease based on a clear and unmistakable error in the April 2012 rating decision is dismissed without prejudice to refiling.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 30 percent, effective as of the date of this decision.,Service connection for left knee disability and left lower extremity neuropathy secondary to low back disability are granted.,TDIU is denied.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to readjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, left knee condition, right knee condition, and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis. The claims are being remanded due to a pre-decisional error in considering all of the evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral knee osteoarthritis and instability have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent each, effective from January 26, 2018. Ratings for right and left knee instability were also granted starting from August 9, 2019.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back and right knee disabilities. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to a lack of VA examinations and potential exposure to toxic substances during his military service.