Knee decisions — 2023

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated as 10% for limitation of flexion prior to November 21, 2019 and as non-compensable thereafter. The rating for limitation of extension was denied with a non-compensable rating from November 21, 2019 onwards. Instability of the left knee is rated as 20% from November 21, 2019 onwards.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent each for the service-connected right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome have been dismissed due to her withdrawal. The effective date for the grant of service connection for right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is denied as it predates March 6, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for updated VA examinations.

The claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied.,New evidence has not been received to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for arthritis of the left hand, right hand, right knee, low back, nasal fracture, sinus disability, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and lung disability.

The Veteran's left knee disability was evaluated, and the Board denied increased ratings for both limitation of flexion and recurrent subluxation or instability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's left knee disability and an opinion on whether his acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's private treatment records and to schedule him for a DRO hearing. The claims are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine prior to June 6, 2022 was denied. The claims for right leg radiculopathy and right knee conditions were partially granted with some issues still denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional retrospective opinions regarding knee instability and a lack of restorations from previous decisions.

The claims of service connection for an abnormal growth on the back of the head and appendectomy scar have been dismissed as withdrawn by the Veteran.,The claim of service connection for a TBI has been granted. The Board found that the Veteran's current TBI is related to his in-service motor vehicle accident (MVA).,The claims of service connection for left knee disability and right knee disability have been denied. The evidence does not support finding that these conditions began during service or are otherwise related to an injury, event, or disease.

The Board has granted separate 10 percent ratings for right and left knee instability under DC 5257, effective May 7, 2007. The Veteran's subjective reports of knee instability were found credible despite objective medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal in its entirety.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee, left knee, and low back disabilities due to a lack of current diagnoses.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of neurological symptoms, skin symptoms, sleep disturbance, and fatigue. Service connection was granted for a right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional examinations and opinions to address the Veteran's left knee disabilities, including arthritis with painful reduced range of motion, and his right knee disability. The rating reductions for left knee instability are also being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD, hernia, hypertension, anemia, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board denied service connection for upper and lower spine, left knee disabilities, and right knee disabilities as there was no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after discharge from active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder did not begin during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease. The claims for service connection have been denied.