Knee decisions — 2023

The Veteran's left knee arthrotomy is granted an increased disability rating of 30 percent, effective April 3, 2017. Separate ratings for left knee instability and symptomatic removal of the meniscus are also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate examination reports and unresolved issues related to his service-connected back disability, left orbital fracture, left knee tendonitis, and cholecystectomy.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed left knee disability had its onset in service or is otherwise related to the Veteran's reports of sustaining a fall or during physical training in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his service-connected right hip, thigh, and knee disabilities due to conflicting medical evidence regarding whether he has a muscle injury. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it may be affected by the outcome of these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to comply with previous remand instructions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection of left, right knee disabilities and hip disabilities as well as low back disability. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 20 percent prior to November 8, 2013 and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The Board denied a rating in excess of these levels.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to undergo VA examinations and obtain additional records in order to properly adjudicate his claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, right shoulder disorder, and bilateral knee disorder.

The Veteran's left knee strain with limited extension is rated at 10 percent, and his left knee strain with limited flexion remains noncompensable. The Veteran's right knee strain is rated at 10 percent. Separate ratings of 10 percent are granted for left knee instability.

The Veteran's left knee instability and ligament tear are rated at 10% from July 10, 2014 to February 7, 2021, and at 30% since February 7, 2021. The appeal is granted for the increased rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues related to the initial ratings and service connection claims. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal.

The Board has denied service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, right leg sciatic radiculopathy, and right leg meralgia paresthetica (neurological disability associated with the groin).,There is no evidence of any neurological disability until a March 2007 EMG revealed diagnoses of right leg sciatic radiculopathy at the L5-S1 vertebrae and right leg meralgia paresthetica.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his right knee conditions and scars is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen the claim for service connection for a right knee disorder is dismissed because he actually sought service connection for a left knee disorder.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was not rated higher than 20 percent prior to August 8, 2005, and not higher than 30 percent from that date.,The Veteran's right knee tendonitis with arthritis did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee disabilities due to inadequate examination findings.

The Veteran's right ninth rib fracture residuals are not compensable.,The Veteran's left knee disability and coronary artery disease with angina may be related to service, but further evidence is needed for a determination.

The Board has determined that the December 2016 VA examination is inadequate for rating purposes and remands the case to obtain a retrospective opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding functional loss in the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to insufficient evidence or incomplete examinations. The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for his left knee scars, insomnia, or instability of the left knee. Service connection for chronic left shoulder pain and chronic left ankle pain remains pending.

For the increased rating period on appeal, a 20% disability rating for right knee degenerative joint disease has been granted.,For the initial rating period from May 15, 2009 to February 7, 2021, a 10% disability rating for right knee instability was denied.,For the initial rating period from February 7, 2021 onwards, a 20% disability rating for right knee instability has been granted.