Knee decisions — 2024

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities and obesity. His left knee disability remains at a 20% rating, while his right ankle disability does not warrant an increase.

The Veteran's right below knee amputation was granted compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, but his claim for right foot pain (callous) was denied as it did not result in an additional disability.

The Board has denied earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome, right hip strain (limitation of extension), and right hip strain (limitation of flexion). The claims for low back disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and migraine-headaches are also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability, which existed prior to service and was a result of an ACL tear in 2010, did not worsen during service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee disability and left knee disability on a direct basis, finding that there is at least an even balance of evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining her Social Security Administration records and providing a medical opinion regarding the loss of use of her right foot.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and a right knee condition are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. Additional medical opinions are needed to address the onset of these conditions in service.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease, right knee degenerative joint disease, and left knee degenerative joint disease are all found to be related to service.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease. The Board finds a need for a VA examination regarding his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for prostate cancer is dismissed. The claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders are readmitted to the Board for further review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis with shin splints is related to his service-connected right ankle disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding your claim for service connection of a left knee disability due to your withdrawal request.

The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus, back condition, right knee condition, and left knee condition as there is no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has granted a second annual clothing allowance for the 2020 calendar year due to use of a right knee brace, finding that the Veteran's prescribed right knee brace caused wear and tear to his clothing. The decision is based on the Veteran's service-connected right knee instability.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not result in the need for regular aid and attendance or permanent bedridden status at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left knee, right ankle, and left ankle disorders are granted. The Board affirms the grant of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left knee based on continuity of symptomatology since service. Service connection is also granted for right and left ankle disorders but requires further examination to establish a link between current conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected left knee disability and entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent, which is the highest available.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder does not meet or approximate the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating. The closest match to his symptoms is a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for back, neck, and right knee disabilities. The Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's increased ratings for his bilateral knee, feet, right hand, wrist, and index finger disabilities were granted effective March 17, 2021. The Board denied earlier effective dates prior to this date.,The Veteran did not file a completed claim seeking entitlement to an increased rating for any of the conditions listed prior to March 17, 2021.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a failure to obtain VA medical opinions and examinations prior to the March 2022 rating decision.