Knee decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine with lumbar strain was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for left knee disorder was also denied due to lack of evidence showing it began during service or is related to in-service injury.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on his service-connected right knee disability with limitation of motion, right knee disability with instability, and left knee disability have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar strain and right foot and heel disorder, as well as his requests for increased ratings for left plantar fasciitis with heel spur, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The Veteran is granted effective dates of January 28, 2004 for the grant of service connection for right knee strain, left knee strain, osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine disability, and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left knee osteoarthritis, limitation of extension, and instability. The VA will obtain any outstanding records and schedule the Veteran for a new examination to assess the severity of his disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete or insufficient examination reports. The left knee enthesopathy case is being remanded because the VA examiner did not address the relationship of a meniscal tear to the service-connected disability and did not provide information about functional limitation during flare-ups.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right feet, rheumatoid arthritis, and arthritis in both knees due to herbicide agent exposure. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is also granted as secondary to rheumatoid arthritis.

The Veteran's right shoulder, low back, right knee, sleep apnea, and right foot disabilities are all granted as service-connected.,Effective April 7, 2014, a rating of 50 percent for headaches is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for a right knee scar associated with degenerative joint disease of the right knee, a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee, and service connection for hypertensive vascular disease. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and consideration.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings in excess of 30 percent for osteoarthritis of the right and left knees as the appellant requested withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has ordered remand for new VA examinations due to inadequate previous evaluations and requested addendum opinions. The issues on appeal include increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, an initial rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy, and service connection for a stomach condition (GERD).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been granted.,Prior to December 12, 2003, the Veteran was not found unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.,From December 12, 2003, to January 31, 2005, the issue of entitlement to a TDIU is moot as he had a combined rating of 100% and was not permanently housebound.,From February 1, 2005, to February 27, 2019, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.,From February 28, 2019, to April 3, 2020, the issue of entitlement to a TDIU is moot as he had a combined rating of 100% and was in receipt of special monthly compensation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional evidence, as there is conflicting medical evidence regarding the etiology of any left knee disabilities found on examination or diagnosed during the pendency of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination reports, and a new examination is required to comply with the terms of the joint motion for partial remand.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left knee disability is denied. The issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's right knee disability is being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for a new VA examination. The issues include seeking increased ratings and TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for right leg/knee scars, but denied service connection for a right lower leg/knee disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete medical opinions regarding service connection for low back, gastrointestinal, and left knee disabilities. The Veteran's claims are not related to service or environmental exposures.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee disability, back disability, and right hip disability due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension is denied as there is no evidence of a connection to his military service.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability and right shoulder disability are both denied due to lack of in-service injury, illness or event.