Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of service connection for left knee, right knee, and low back disorders due to conflicting medical opinions and testimony from the Veteran regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected right buttock, right groin, and right hemi scrotum scarring as well as his left knee scar are each granted an initial 10 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, right knee disability secondary to hypertension, right shoulder disability secondary to hypertension, and low back disability (narrowing of the disc space L4-L5 with degenerative changes at L5-S1) secondary to hypertension due to insufficient opinions on the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right ankle and left knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examination reports, failure to consider all evidence in the claims file, and changes in rating criteria.

The Board granted service connection for right and left knee disabilities, but denied service connection for a right upper extremity disorder (hand numbness) and left ulnar neuropathy.,Service connection was established for the Veteran's left ulnar neuropathy based on continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, finding that these conditions were incurred during his active service.

The Board has remanded the cases for obtaining additional private medical records and providing further information to the appellant.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The service connection for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD is denied. The claims for joint disabilities and respiratory disability are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives. The Veteran's right knee disability is alleged to have caused or aggravated his claimed disabilities, including lumbar spine, cervical spine, left hip, right hip, and left knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, left hip, and low back disabilities due to a June 1971 injury during National Guard service. Additional medical opinions are needed if service connection is granted for the right knee.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral sciatic pain, low back disability, bilateral knee disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) based on the evidence showing these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's TBI residuals are denied as the evidence is inconclusive regarding whether they are separate from his service-connected mental health condition. The tension headache condition is granted on a direct basis, while the left foot conditions (bilateral flat feet) and right knee condition are denied due to pre-existing status.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral ankle, left knee (status post total knee replacement), right knee, and vertigo disorders. The Veteran's current diagnoses were not shown as chronic in service or related to an in-service injury or disease.,Service connection was also denied for fatigue due to lack of a diagnosis.

The Veteran's partial right knee replacement and associated instability were granted a 100% rating from February 11, 2009 to February 10, 2010. The appeals for higher ratings prior to this period are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a bad conduct discharge, finding that his entire period of active service is a bar to VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they do not rise to the level needed for such benefits.

The Veteran's initial rating for left knee arthritis disability from October 31, 2008 to December 24, 2012 was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service connection claim for left ear hearing loss is denied, and the initial rating higher than 10 percent for his service-connected left knee disability is also denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining new evidence to support service connection claims.