Knee decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD, low back degenerative disc disease, left knee degenerative joint disease (limitation of flexion), and right knee degenerative joint disease (limitation of extension) have been granted increased ratings. The effective date for these increases is April 16, 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for the aggravation of a left knee disability by bilateral shin splints, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a right knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities have resulted in a loss of use of both legs, warranting higher level SMC.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right knee (limited extension) prior to May 16, 2017 and beginning May 16, 2017, as well as for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right knee (limited flexion).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status, as his disability picture does not render him bedridden or in need of constant care.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to failure to report to VA examinations and other procedural issues. The Board has broadened the claims to include Gulf War Syndrome-related conditions.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims of increased rating for tinnitus, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left heel and foot disability, left knee disability, lumbar spine disability, right ankle disability, neurological disability of the left leg, and neurological disability of the right leg are now pending.

The Veteran's initial rating for an undiagnosed illness manifested by throat pain has been granted. Service connection for heartburn is also granted. The cases of sleep apnea, bilateral eye disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability are all remanded.

The Veteran's left shoulder and right shoulder disabilities are granted service connection.,The Veteran's right knee, left knee, right leg, and left leg disabilities are denied service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's assertions of in-service injuries are considered.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to an in-service injury during a baseball game.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a DRO hearing.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted from July 29, 1993 to January 22, 1998 due to his service-connected left knee disability and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee conditions and a lumbar spine condition as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical strain, left knee strain, and right knee strain remain denied. The claim for service connection for lumbar disc disease is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's lumbar strain disability is granted service connection. Service connection for sleep apnea, tinnitus, right knee disability, cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability are denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant requested to withdraw all BVA appeals that are currently pending at the BVA.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability is granted with separate 20 percent ratings for recurrent instability since March 17, 2023.

The Veteran's ratings for his right knee, low back pain (claimed as degenerative arthritis), and radiculopathy in the bilateral lower extremities have been restored to their previous levels.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee pain and dysfunction, low back pain and dysfunction, left wrist pain and dysfunction, PTSD, and MDD. The conditions are deemed to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.