Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence. The claims are now remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his low back, neck, left shoulder, bilateral knee, and bilateral foot conditions.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for right knee osteoarthritis and service connection for skin conditions other than carbuncle scars have been denied. The Board found that the current symptoms do not warrant an increased rating, and there is no evidence to support service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the reduction of disability ratings for right and left knee retropatellar pain syndrome was not proper, and has ordered remand to obtain additional evidence and a new examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for TBI residuals and a headache disability is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury. The Veteran's left knee disability is not related to service, nor caused by his service-connected PTSD.,Service connection for the Veteran's back disability remains remanded due to insufficient opinion regarding its relationship to service. Service connection for erectile dysfunction is also remanded as there was no opinion addressing whether it was aggravated by his service-connected prostatitis.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right knee degenerative joint disease has been withdrawn by his representative.

The appeals for increased disability ratings for the back and related neurological issues (e.g. radiculopathy of the lower extremities) have been withdrawn and are dismissed.,The appeal for entitlement to a disability rating exceeding 10 percent for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity has been withdrawn and is dismissed.,The appeal for entitlement to a disability rating exceeding 10 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity has been withdrawn and is dismissed.,Entitlement to a disability rating of 50 percent (but no higher) for migraine headaches is granted.,New and material evidence having been received, the petition to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability is granted.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and the left knee disability is also rated at 10 percent. Both knees are affected by pain causing a reduction in physical activity.,Neither knee has objective evidence of limitation of extension or instability.

The previously denied claims of service connection for low back, right knee, and left knee disabilities have been reopened. The Veteran's claim for a right ankle disability remains remanded due to insufficient evidence.,Service connection is being remanded for the Veteran's claimed low back, right knee, and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including back, waist, and knee conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to June 14, 2022. The Board granted a TDIU rating for this period.

The Veteran's right Achilles tendonitis is granted as secondary to her service-connected plantar fasciitis and flat feet. The Veteran's right knee condition is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to report for scheduled examinations. The Board will attempt to verify his current whereabouts and contact information, and schedule another examination.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities and depression, with obesity acting as an intermediate step.

The Board has decided to remand several cases related to the Veteran's knee conditions, including those involving limitation of flexion and degenerative arthritis in both knees. The remand is due to insufficient information regarding weight-bearing range of motion measurements.

The Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 20 percent from November 8, 2013 to January 6, 2014. The rating is now increased to 10 percent effective May 1, 2014.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected right femoral fracture with traumatic arthritis, right knee (limitation of flexion) and limitation of extension. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic kidney disease as secondary to service-connected hypertension. The right knee increased rating claim and TDIU issue are remanded due to outstanding records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for right knee limitation of flexion, extension, instability, and scar due to outstanding VA treatment records not being obtained.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hip disabilities, right hip disability, and left knee disability due to secondary service connection. The claims are being reviewed again with consideration of new evidence that suggests a link between these conditions and his service-connected lumbar spine and/or right knee disabilities.