Knee decisions — 2024

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the claims for PTSD and TDIU due to outstanding VA medical records and SSA disability benefit records. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective April 28, 2023.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a below-knee amputation of the left leg and special monthly compensation based upon loss of use of the left foot due to insufficient development of evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee disabilities have been denied. The evidence does not show ankylosis or impairment to the tibia and fibula, but does demonstrate symptoms of meniscectomy residuals.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including low back, left knee, bilateral trigger finger, hiatal hernia, and undiagnosed muscle and joint pain. The VA examinations requested in previous remands have not been conducted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities and entitlement to a rating of total disability due to individual unemployability based upon service-connected disorders are being remanded due to the need for substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to inadequate VA examination opinions and incomplete medical records.

The appeal is dismissed as no valid timely notice of disagreement was received for the issues of service connection and initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus.

The Veteran's left knee disability was previously rated at 20 percent, effective January 11, 2018. The VA Regional Office increased the rating to reflect moderate instability of the left knee under Diagnostic Code 5257.

Effective October 9, 2012, the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability was granted increased ratings for limitation of flexion and extension.,From January 16, 2024 to present, the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability received an increased rating for limitation of extension.

The Veteran's claims for anemia, colon polyps, joint disorder, urinary disorder, and menstrual disorder were denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to service.,There are no indications that the Veteran's conditions are related to her military service or any environmental exposures during her deployment in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and meniscectomy residuals, is rated at 10 percent. A separate 10 percent rating for the residual of the meniscectomy has been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disorder, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee degenerative joint disease, and right knee degenerative joint disease due to inadequate VA opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right knee conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal in an August 2024 statement.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for right knee instability from May 2, 2006 to the present. The Veteran's disability is characterized by moderate recurrent subluxation or lateral instability of the right knee.

The Veteran's service-connected patellofemoral syndrome, right knee and left knee have been denied increased evaluations.,Service connection for hydromyelia of the cervical spine is remanded due to failure to appear for examination.

The Veteran's right knee instability, chondromalacia with degenerative changes, and meniscus condition have been rated as 20 percent for the period prior to April 11, 2023. A separate 20 percent rating has also been granted for a right knee meniscus condition with frequent episodes of locking, swelling, and effusion.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development to ensure compliance with prior remand directives and VA's duty to assist.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left knee disability and its relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to deficiencies in the May 2016 VA examination and other issues related to right knee disability ratings.