Knee decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings for his lumbosacral strain, sciatic nerve radiculopathy, left and right knee strains, and lateral collateral ligament strain of the ankles are being remanded due to inadequate examinations and potential additional functional loss during flare-ups or repetitive use.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to inadequate examinations and insufficient medical evidence of record. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to determine the nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee instability, lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis, right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy have been granted initial ratings of at least 10 percent each since June 20, 2007.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development to address employment history, the nature and etiology of service-connected disabilities, and other medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate examination reports and the need for a retrospective medical opinion considering flare-ups and repetitive use over time.

The Veteran's left knee chondromalacia patella is rated at 10 percent, effective April 20, 2012. A separate 10 percent rating for left knee instability from March 20, 2018, but no earlier, was granted.

The Board dismissed appeals for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 10 percent rating for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome prior to January 18, 2018, and earlier effective dates for service connection for TBI and tension headaches. The Board also granted an effective date of January 18, 2018, but no earlier, for the grant of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn, and the Board has dismissed all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation have been remanded due to the addition of new VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for partial medial meniscectomy of the right knee due to an inadequate VA examination. A new examination is required to determine the nature and severity of the Veteran's right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's right knee disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral knee disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began in service and have continued since then.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The right ankle Achilles tendonitis and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome are rated at 10 percent, while the thoracic outlet syndrome is rated at 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate rationale in previous VA examination opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected right foot disability and his claimed back and knee disabilities. The Veteran is requested to provide additional evidence, including medical literature and recent VA treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee and allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions had their onset in service.

The appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression and anxiety, is granted. The appeals for service connection for a right leg disorder and a right knee disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral knee disability, tinnitus, heart disability, right ankle disability, fibromyalgia, and bone spur of the left foot. The Veteran's assertions have not been supported by medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disabilities to obtain a VA addendum opinion regarding whether her knee disabilities are related to active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination addressing specific medical evidence related to the Veteran's right knee condition. The RO is instructed to obtain a VA addendum opinion from a VA nurse practitioner or another qualified clinician regarding the impact of the Veteran's reported pain and functional limitations on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.