Knee decisions — 2024

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for his service-connected scar, right knee residuals, is denied. However, a separate 10 percent rating for the painful scar, right knee residuals, effective from October 3, 2017 to February 8, 2022, is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shin splints, left shin splints, left knee arthritis, and right knee arthritis due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD and right knee arthralgia were denied increased ratings. The PTSD was rated at 30 percent, while the right knee condition remained at a 10 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for further review of the evidence submitted by the appellant.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine condition, left heel condition, left knee strain, left shoulder condition, lumbar spine condition, and left foot condition, all of which are found to be related to his active service.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 20 percent for instability from April 29, 2015 onwards. Separate ratings of 10 percent are granted for limitation of extension and painful flexion throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, right and left knee disabilities, psychiatric disability, heart disability, and GI disability are all remanded for further development.

The Board denied higher ratings for service-connected right knee disability, inguinal hernia, and lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's failure to respond or cooperate with scheduling VA examinations resulted in the denial of these claims as a matter of law.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives, specifically regarding the expertise of the examiner for a right knee disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's home modifications and equipment purchases are necessary to enable him to function more independently in his family and community without assistance, or with a reduced level of assistance.,However, additional equipment purchases and/or home modifications, such as an overhead cover for a wheelchair lift at the front of the home, a cover over the front walk, installation of a central air conditioning system, an addition to the home to include installation of a new bathroom downstairs, extension of the rear of the main bedroom to create space for a walk-in closet and a work-out room on the floor below; and creating access to an existing outdoor kitchen located near the pool area, are not necessary.,The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not necessitate these additional modifications.

The Board denied service connection for right knee, left knee, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities as there was no evidence of such conditions during or immediately following active service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10% for limitation of flexion and a separate 10% rating for instability. The Board has found that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran experienced an in-service head injury, which may affect his entitlement to TDIU prior to May 10, 2022.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disabilities and a temporary total evaluation due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, right knee chondromalacia patella, and residuals of crushed injury to the third and fourth digits of the right hand were all denied as not meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted, as he requires assistance with daily living activities due to his medical conditions.

The Board granted service connection for GERD, sinus headaches, right and left lower extremity neuropathy, pseudofolliculitis barbae of the skin, and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and DDD. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and anxiety) was denied.

The Board has denied service connection for back, left knee, right knee, and sleep apnea conditions as secondary to service-connected foot disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to errors in obtaining VA treatment records and opinions. The Veteran is entitled to bilateral hearing loss, but not to left ear hearing loss as there is no current diagnosis. Service connection is granted for plantar warts of the feet. The Board finds that additional medical opinions are needed regarding his knee, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disabilities due to a lack of consideration of the Veteran's competent statements about continuity of symptoms.

The Board denied service connection for right knee, left knee, insomnia, and right ear hearing loss disorders as well as a higher initial disability rating for left ear hearing loss. The appeals for separate stomach and gastrointestinal disorders were also denied.

The Board denied the motion for revision of the June 3, 2010, Rating Decision based on clear and unmistakable error.