Knee decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral spine DJD, left lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve, and right lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve was denied. A 20 percent rating is granted for the right lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve.

The Veteran's traumatic arthritis in both knees is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has denied service connection for various disabilities, including a paralyzed nerve, bilateral eye disability, genital warts, left hip disability, right hip disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and left shoulder disability. The evidence does not support the Veteran's claims of in-service injury or disease resulting in these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as he is currently enrolled in college and has attempted to re-enter the workforce. The Board finds that his unemployability is due to his mental health conditions rather than his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis does not meet the criteria for service connection. The left hip disability claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for back disability manifested by pain and bilateral knee disability manifested by pain. The claim of service connection for psychiatric disability is being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient medical evidence and a duty to assist error. The Board will need to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to address his hypersomnia, knee, foot, and migraine headaches.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to inadequate examinations and the need for additional medical opinions, including those related to valvular heart disease, keratoconjunctivitis, upper extremity radiculopathy, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, a skin condition, shin splints, knee meniscal tear, muscle/tendon strain of the lower leg, and sleep disturbances.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include lumbar spine disability, bilateral knee conditions, sleep condition, and sciatica.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for right hip, left hip, right knee, and left knee disorders have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of July 27, 2020 for the grant of service connection for right knee dislocated semilunar cartilage. The Veteran's representative submitted a valid power of attorney and a VA Form 21-0966, Intent to File, which was received by VA on July 27, 2020. This decision is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for residuals of back injury arthritis with DJD, right knee injuries arthritis, and left knee injuries arthritis as they have been fully granted in a June 2022 rating decision. The appeal for service connection for left ear hearing loss, head injury, neck injury arthritis, and initial compensable rating for right ear hearing loss has also been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for clothing allowances due to use of right and left knee braces, as well as a wheelchair, are remanded. The AOJ must provide adequate notice regarding the basis for the denial and identify elements not satisfied leading to the denial.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed without prejudice due to her death, and there is no properly substituted appellant on her behalf.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee osteoarthritis with a history of ACL tear, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not caused by an in-service injury.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee strain and instability. The current rating decision will be remanded to allow for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to errors in pre-decisional duty to assist. The AOJ must obtain additional medical opinions and consider evidence not previously considered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee strain and left patellofemoral pain syndrome are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.