Knee decisions — 2023

The Veteran's bilateral ankle and knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds they warrant a higher rating. The claims for increased ratings remain on appeal.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is related to medication prescribed for his service-connected migraines and tinnitus, while the other conditions are not shown in service or for many years thereafter and are otherwise unrelated to his active-duty service.

The Board has denied service connection for various disabilities including right arm, left shoulder, right shoulder, lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee conditions. The reasons include lack of in-service evidence of injury or disease, inconsistent statements regarding treatment during service, and the absence of a medical nexus between current disability and service.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder, right knee, and lower back conditions due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's time in active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition, right knee condition, left knee condition, and sleep apnea based on the Veteran's credible testimony of in-service injuries and persistence of symptoms since service.,Service connection is established for these conditions as they are found to be causally linked to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has granted a TDIU from March 3, 2015 to June 6, 2022. The claim for an increased rating for left knee chondromalacia is remanded due to the lack of range of motion testing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, including instability and degenerative joint disease, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment from July 23, 2012 to October 7, 2014.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis is rated at 10 percent for limitation of extension since November 22, 2022. The claim for an increased rating based on meniscus condition remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is granted, while claims for allergic rhinitis, right eye condition, acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, back injury, left knee disability, and hypertension are denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, with limitation of flexion limited to at worst 70 degrees. The left knee disability is also rated at 10 percent, with painful motion during flexion and extension.,Throughout the entire period on appeal, the criteria are met for a noncompensable rating for left knee disability with limitation of flexion.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected generalized arthralgias in multiple joints is being remanded due to insufficient examination data and the need for clarification on multi-joint disability assessment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right shoulder disability, and thus cannot establish service connection for this condition.,Similarly, the Board found no evidence of a current right knee disability to support service connection. The Veteran's symptoms were noted in service but did not persist post-service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right knee disability, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, bilateral shoulder and arm disabilities, bilateral hand disabilities, and residuals of a head injury. The remand requires an addendum opinion to address whether any diagnosed pre-existing right knee disability was aggravated by service or had its onset during service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder, finding that there is no evidence of such a condition during or within one year after his military service. The Board also found no link between any current right knee disorder and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development and review of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her right knee disabilities due to scheduling issues and a need for additional medical examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, but the claim is remanded for further development regarding a left knee disability.

The Veteran's left knee DJD status post TKA is granted a 60 percent rating from January 1, 2018.,The Veteran is also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The appeal for service connection for right median sensorimotor neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, left and right shin splints, cataracts, deviated septum, depression, a right elbow disorder, and a heart disorder has been dismissed.,The claim for service connection for hypertension (secondary to PTSD) has been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The appeal is granted in part.,The claim for service connection for sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD) has been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The appeal is granted in part.,The claims for service connection for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis have been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The appeals are granted in part.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability was reopened and granted. The claims for increased ratings for right and left knee PFPS were dismissed, and the Veteran's PTSD rating was restored to 100% effective September 1, 2016. The issue of an earlier effective date for TDIU remains pending.