Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and erectile dysfunction on a secondary basis, as the medications prescribed for these conditions are known to cause such side effects. The right knee disability, left knee disability, and left hip disability have been reopened due to new evidence supporting their existence during service.

An earlier effective date of May 31, 2015, but no earlier, for the assignment of an increased rating of 50 percent for service-connected migraines is granted. An earlier effective date of May 31, 2015, but no earlier, for the assignment of a 10 percent rating for the service-connected left knee strain and patellofemoral syndrome is granted. As of May 31, 2015, a disability rating of 70 percent, but no higher, for the service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left knee disability is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's essential tremors are granted as service-connected due to being related to his TBI. The ratings for left and right knee disabilities remain at 10 percent, with no higher rating allowed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee disability and sinusitis, as these matters are inextricably intertwined with his claim of service connection for a skin disorder.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities, including for flare-ups prior to September 16, 2019. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's right knee disability is being reviewed again for possible service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for left knee degenerative joint disease prior to April 27, 2016, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter has been dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing the appeal.

The Board has decided to remand several claims related to the Veteran's knee disabilities due to new evidence indicating potential worsening of his conditions. The Veteran will need a new examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims due to new evidence being added to the record, and the Veteran is entitled to a full review of his claims.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities and carpal tunnel syndrome are rated based on their severity, with the right knee receiving a separate rating for cartilage involvement. The case is remanded due to unresolved issues.

The Veteran's service-connected painful joints, hemorrhoids, mechanical low back pain, right knee instability, right knee chondromalacia, and right and left knee degenerative joint disease are all denied. A total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

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

Service connection is granted for headaches, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss disability, and thoracolumbar spine disorder.,Service connection is denied for hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), RIGHT ankle disorder, LEFT knee disorder, RIGHT knee disorder, radiculopathy of the RIGHT lower extremity, radiculopathy of the LEFT lower extremity, and cervical spine / neck disorder.,Service connection is remanded for radiculopathy of the RIGHT upper extremity and radiculopathy of the LEFT upper extremity.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions in previous decisions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee osteoarthritis was granted. The issues of service connection for left knee disability and lumbar spine disability are remanded.,Right knee osteoarthritis is found to be related to the Veteran's military service, with frequent stooping, squatting, kneeling, and climbing ladders being contributory factors.

The Veteran's increased disability ratings for left knee and lumbar spine disabilities have been denied.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability has been granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The Veteran will be provided with VA examinations for his claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disability and bilateral eye disability due to lack of VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of specific retroactive opinion regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to January 19, 2012. The claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis is referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Services.