Knee decisions — 2023

The Veteran's initial claim for a right knee disability was granted, and he is now receiving a 20% rating. Additionally, a separate 20% rating has been granted for frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion in the right knee.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been reopened and service connection is granted.,The Veteran's claims for lumbar spine, left knee, right knee, left foot plantar fasciitis, and cervical spine disabilities have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right lower extremity fibular sesamoiditis with flexor hallucis longus tendinitis and right foot plantar fasciitis are rated at 20 percent each, effective from November 25, 2014. The Veteran's right knee chronic patellofemoral pain syndrome is denied a higher rating, but his symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage is granted a separate 10 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for a new VA medical opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, including whether he has the 'functional equivalent' of ankylosis and instability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and incomplete examination reports. The issues include secondary service connection for lower back, right hip, left hip, and left knee disorders.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal, satisfied with the partial grant of her claims and requesting to withdraw all remaining issues.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to evaluate the severity of the service-connected left knee disability due to inadequate previous examinations. The issues of increased rating for left knee and TDIU are also remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the left knee issue.

The Veteran's right knee and left knee disabilities are currently rated at 10% each, but the Board denied any higher ratings due to lack of evidence showing more severe limitations.,For his right shoulder disability, the Veteran was initially granted a 20% rating from December 1, 2014 to August 14, 2023 and then a 40% rating thereafter. The Board denied any higher ratings due to lack of evidence showing more severe limitations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an increased knee rating due to concerns about retrospective range of motion findings and functional equivalent of ankylosis.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for an effective date prior to May 31, 2017, and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for chondrocalcinosis of the right knee status post meniscal repair because these issues were already adjudicated by the Board in a previous decision.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and a 30 percent rating for tension headaches has been granted.

The Board has directed that VA examinations be obtained for the Veteran's claimed right foot, left foot, right ankle, left ankle, right knee, left knee, right hip, and left hip disabilities. These issues are currently remanded to obtain these evaluations.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims can be adjudicated. The RO should request the Veteran's in-service clinical records, verify his periods of active duty for training or inactive duty for training, and obtain VA medical opinions to address whether his current disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a 10 percent rating for tension headaches has been granted. The Board has also remanded several other issues related to service connection and disability ratings.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is granted service connection, but his right knee disability and temporary total rating for left knee surgery are denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's left knee disability and OSA. Specifically, it is required to obtain SSA records that may be relevant to his claims of service connection for OSA, as well as rating reduction and temporary total ratings related to his left knee.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, including increased ratings and secondary service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, and a left wrist disability. The Veteran is also being asked to provide updated VA treatment records and undergo new examinations.

The Veteran's left knee instability is granted a separate disability rating of 10 percent effective January 26, 2022. The ratings for left knee strain and osteoarthritis remain unchanged at 10 percent.

The Veteran's right knee limitation of extension was granted a 40 percent rating for the period prior to December 16, 2013.,For the period from December 16, 2013, the Veteran's right knee limitation of extension is rated at 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate opinions and failure to consider all relevant evidence, including lay statements.