Knee decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the issues of service connection and increased rating have been resolved as there was no longer a reduction in effect to appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee disabilities, as well as bilateral hearing loss. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim.

The Veteran's overuse syndrome with atrophy associated with removal of semilunar cartilage of the left knee and right knee strain are rated under Diagnostic Code 5261 for limitation of extension. The evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's removal of semilunar cartilage of the left knee is rated under Diagnostic Code 5010-5260, which reflects noncompensable limitation of motion due to arthritis. The Board has changed the diagnostic code to reflect the actual rating already assigned.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional medical opinions to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder, right knee, and left knee conditions. The current evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are service-connected.

The Veteran's initial ratings for right knee disability, left triceps strain, and right shoulder disability have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal regarding entitlement to service connection for right and left knee disabilities has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee disability and lumbosacral spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The appellant withdrew all pending appeals regarding the ratings and service connection for various conditions, including major depressive disorder with anxious mood, asthma, allergic rhinitis, left ankle sprain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), right hip osteoarthrosis, right knee osteoarthrosis, hypertension, fatigue, migraine, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability from April 21, 2018 to January 25, 2021 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cervical spine strain, bilateral knee disability, right ankle sprain, lumbar spine strain, tinnitus, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, prevent him from securing substantially gainful employment. The Board granted TDIU based on the cumulative effects of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeal. The claims for bilateral heel spur and bilateral tibial stress fracture are being remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeal. The claims for right knee instability, left thigh scars, bilateral eye disorder, and bilateral heel spurs are being remanded.

The Board has determined that the AOJ did not properly consider whether obesity was an intermediate step in the Veteran's development of obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore, the case is being remanded to obtain a new medical opinion.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability, including degenerative joint disease (DJD), finding that the Veteran's current condition did not manifest during his active duty or within one year of separation and is not otherwise related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee, right knee, and back conditions due to a lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee disabilities as secondary to the Veteran's service connected back disability, finding that the evidence is in equipoise and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right elbow condition, right ankle condition (including Achilles tendonitis), right shoulder condition, right knee condition, left knee condition, and back condition. The Board also found that bilateral pes planus began during active duty.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee condition, GERD, degenerative changes in the lumbar spine, and ED. The PTSD claim was granted with an increased rating to 70%. The hearing loss claim remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right knee disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU.