Knee decisions — 2023

The Veteran's hypertension and right knee arthritis have been granted service connection based on continuity of symptoms since separation from service.,Service connection for OSA is remanded as it is secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's headaches have been granted service connection, but a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity and whether his condition has worsened. For his right knee disability, a new VA examination is required to assess its nature and etiology, including whether it is related to service or aggravated by other conditions.

The Veteran's claims for an increased initial rating for his left ankle disability and service connection for a bilateral knee condition are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the right knee condition, and the Board has dismissed this issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed right hand, left hand, right shoulder, left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities are not related to service. The evidence does not show any in-service injury or disease, chronic symptoms during service, or treatment for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent prior to June 21, 2023. The Board granted a TDIU due to the service-connected PTSD and SMC based on housebound status prior to that date.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left knee condition, including gout and synovitis. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability and hearing loss/tinnitus have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is now granted for special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability was granted a 70 percent rating as of April 2, 2019. The right knee instability and limitation of flexion were both granted the maximum allowable ratings (20% and 10%, respectively). However, the left knee osteoarthritis did not meet the criteria for any higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing STRs and a lack of medical records from Vietnam. The issues include neck condition, back condition, and right leg/knee fracture.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent, the minimum rating following total knee replacement surgery. The Board has ordered a remand to schedule the Veteran for an examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's sleep disturbances, specifically whether they are related to his service-connected bilateral knee disability or any environmental exposures in Southwest Asia.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for right knee instability, but the issue of a higher rating for painful motion remains remanded.

The Veteran's low back disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine with spine hemangioma, is granted service connection.,The Veteran's left knee disorder, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis, is granted service connection. The right knee disorder resulting in total knee replacement is also granted service connection.

The Board has denied service connection for right knee and left ankle disabilities due to lack of current diagnoses. Service connection for a spine disability is remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities, finding no evidence of a nexus to service. The case is remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's knee conditions are proximately caused or aggravated by her service-connected back condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder, knee, ankle, and right elbow disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions provided in July 2023. The VA is instructed to provide a supplemental opinion addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been withdrawn and are dismissed. A TDIU is granted, and SMC at the housebound rate is also granted.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals regarding service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as the rating issues for back, right knee, left knee, right thigh, and left thigh disabilities. As a result, these issues are dismissed.