Knee decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD with Persistent Depressive Disorder was denied an increased rating from June 4, 2015 to July 12, 2022.,The Veteran's PTSD with Persistent Depressive Disorder was denied an increased rating from July 12, 2022 forward.,The Veteran's Lumbosacral Strain with Degenerative Arthritis, Spondylosis, and Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) was denied an increased rating from December 28, 2016 to September 9, 2022.,The Veteran's Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy was denied an increased rating from September 9, 2022 forward.,The Veteran's Right Knee Meniscus Tear/Repair and Residual Osteoarthritis was denied an increased rating from November 1, 2013 to June 27, 2022.,The Veteran's Left Knee Meniscus Tear/Repair and Residual Osteoarthritis was denied an increased rating from November 1, 2013 forward.,The Veteran's Left Knee Symptomatic Residuals of Semilunar Cartilage Removal was denied an increased rating from September 9, 2022 forward.

The Board has granted service connection for a left hip disability, but denied service connection for thoracolumbar spine, cervical spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The decision also remanded the issue of service connection for a right hip disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee condition as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, finding that the evidence supports a nexus between the two conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar spine, right shoulder, left shoulder, right foot, and left foot conditions. The remaining issues of service connection for right hip, left hip, right knee, and left knee conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including limitation of extension and instability, is now rated at 10 percent for the period prior to May 13, 2022, and at 30 percent thereafter. The dislocated semilunar cartilage condition is also rated at 20 percent effective from May 13, 2022.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for residuals of closed fifth metatarsal fracture of the left foot, service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to PTSD with severe alcohol use disorder, service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, and service connection for a right knee disorder are all remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the Veteran's current need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs regular assistance with activities of daily living, including dressing, feeding, and attending to personal hygiene.

The Board has found that the matter must be remanded again for substantial compliance with the previous remand. The Veteran's VA Mountain Home Health Care records from November 2003 to October 2017 are missing, and an addendum medical opinion is needed regarding the right shoulder disorder.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis was granted a 20% rating effective April 25, 2016. The right knee osteoarthritis remains at a 30% rating from June 4, 2018 to June 26, 2018.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions regarding her left knee condition, obstructive sleep apnea, and service connection claims.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disorder, finding no evidence of in-service injury or chronic condition and concluding that the current left knee strain is not related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining a VA opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed left and right knee disabilities, scheduling a VA examination to determine the current severity of her service-connected hiatal hernia, and readjudicating the issues on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee strain as new and material evidence was not received, despite additional medical records being submitted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and a higher rating for PTSD with alcohol dependence were denied due to failure to report for VA examinations. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives regarding service connection for right knee disorder. The issues of bilateral pes planus and right foot bone spur are inextricably intertwined with the right knee disorder issue.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted as service connected due to continuous symptomatology since separation from service, meeting the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate development and need for a new examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various spinal and joint conditions due to new evidence being added to his case file.

The Board has dismissed all appeals related to the Veteran's claims for compensation and evaluations of various knee and foot conditions, as well as a claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to VA medical treatment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's left knee disability and his active duty service, including as secondary to his now service-connected right knee disability. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine these relationships.