Knee decisions — 2023

The Veteran's initial 70 percent rating for depressive disorder is granted, and the issues of service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, left shoulder, headaches, and thoracolumbar spine disability are remanded. The compensable rating for hypertension issue is also remanded.

The Veteran's left elbow condition is not service-connected as it is attributed to his service-connected fibromyalgia.,The Veteran's right knee condition is not service-connected and the Board found no separate diagnosis for this issue.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left knee meniscal tear was granted, and he is now receiving a separate 20 percent rating for dislocated semilunar cartilage in the same knee. The current effective date of this decision is not specified.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and hypertension have been denied as there is no credible or competent evidence of an in-service injury, disease, or continuity of symptomatology. The Board finds that the Veteran did not suffer any left knee or leg injury during his active service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for service-connected residuals of healed left third metatarsal fracture was denied due to his failure to report for a VA examination. The case is remanded for further development and adjudication, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion regarding the right knee disability.

The Veteran's respiratory condition, right knee condition, and left knee condition are remanded for further development and opinion.

The Veteran's right knee meniscal tear is granted a separate evaluation of 20 percent, but no higher. The criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for right knee instability are not met.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no persuasive evidence that it began during service or is related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is remanded for a VA examination to determine if it had onset in, or is otherwise related to, active military service and whether it is caused or aggravated by the service-connected disabilities, including chronic pain from his service-connected knee and psychiatric disabilities.,The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and instability are remanded for appropriate examinations to determine their current severity with consideration of functional impairment on employability.,The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and instability are remanded for appropriate examinations to determine their current severity with consideration of functional impairment on employability.,The Veteran's depressive disorder is remanded for an appropriate examination to determine its current severity.,Earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection and ratings for the Veteran's left knee disability and depressive disorder are remanded as they may be related to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's earlier effective date claims are inextricably intertwined with the increased rating issues.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination to determine if her service-connected disabilities meet the criteria for specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's left knee disability is manifest by pain, swelling, and limitation of flexion at 70 degrees. The Board concludes that the current severity of his disability picture does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for a back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and a left knee disorder due to inconsistencies in the rating decisions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various knee and shoulder disorders, as well as a right foot disorder. The Veteran's medical records from his federal employment are to be obtained, and he is to undergo an examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed right foot disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of open angle glaucoma and a higher rating for right total knee arthroplasty are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as due to sleep apnea. The claim for tinea versicolor is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error and inadequate opinions. The Veteran's right ankle disorder is related to service, but secondary service connection for his right knee strain and hypertension must be considered.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left knee disability and PTSD, as well as his claim for TDIU, were all denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the service connection claims for lumbago, lumbar spine strain, left knee patellar tendinopathy, and a right knee condition before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and primary insomnia, is granted as service-connected. The low back disability and left knee disability are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee pain, right knee pain, left ankle pain, and right ankle pain. The Veteran's symptoms have persisted since his military service.