Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his Gulf War illness, including for left and right lower extremity neuropathy, a right knee disability, a left knee disability, headaches, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board found that the discontinuance of a 100% rating for the Veteran's left knee disability was proper and effective December 1, 2018. The Veteran is now rated at 60% for chronic residuals.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development to determine appropriate ratings and service connection for his claimed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis status post patellar tendon rupture surgical repair, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service injuries and continuous since separation from service.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee arthritis and right tibia fracture residuals. His right knee degenerative arthritis with residuals of right tibia fracture and meniscal tear are remanded for further review.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for a separate rating for right knee torn lateral meniscus prior to March 8, 2016 and remanded the issues of entitlement to higher ratings for right knee flexion and extension.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including trauma/stressor-related disorder and major depressive disorder, are granted as service-connected. From October 15, 2014, the Veteran is granted a 20 percent rating for his meniscal tear and degenerative joint disease of the right knee. The Veteran is also granted a 20 percent rating from October 15, 2014 to February 13, 2023, for limitation of extension of the right knee. A rating greater than 20 percent for limitation of extension of the right knee is denied starting February 14, 2023. The Veteran's limitation of flexion of the right hip is granted a 10 percent rating from October 15, 2014.

The Veteran's disability rating for his right knee instability associated with degenerative joint disorder with meniscus tear was improperly reduced from 10% to 0%, and the rating is restored. The Board also found that a higher disability rating for this condition is warranted, and the case is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's left knee instability is rated at 20 percent from July 14, 2016 to November 19, 2017. The rating for his arthritis prior to this period remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's left knee disability, radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) in both lower extremities, and radiculopathy (femoral nerve) in the right and left lower extremities have been granted service connection. Increased ratings of 40 percent for radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), right and left lower extremities, are granted prior to February 7, 2023.

The Veteran's initial 10 percent rating for a left knee disability is granted, based on painful motion. The appeal does not involve service connection issues.

All appeals for increased ratings and effective dates have been withdrawn by the Veteran.,Service connection for prostate cancer has been granted due to exposure to chemicals in Iraq.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left ankle, bilateral knee, and left hip disorders are being remanded due to the receipt of additional service records. The Board will consider these new records in determining whether there is sufficient evidence to reopen the claims.

The Veteran's preexisting bilateral foot disability was aggravated during service, warranting service connection.,Service connection is granted for a right knee disability secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot and knee disabilities.,Service connection is also granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot and knee disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, left knee disability, and right ear hearing loss. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is as likely as not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee disability, left knee scars, and various finger disabilities were denied because he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations. The Board found that the lack of evidence from these examinations resulted in a denial.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and other conditions such as right shoulder, bilateral pes planus, positional vertigo, tinnitus, right elbow, right knee, hiatal hernia, have rendered him unemployable. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of left and right knee disorders, leading to their dismissal.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted a 50% rating, effective throughout the appeal period. Ratings for left and right knee chondromalacia remain at 10%. The psychiatric disability is granted a 70% rating, effective prior to December 1, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is etiologically related to service and grants entitlement to service connection.