Knee decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot amputation and left leg above the knee amputation, finding a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not obtaining VA opinions addressing these claims on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's left knee ACL reconstruction and meniscal tear with limitation of extension rating was reduced from 40 percent to 20 percent, effective December 28, 2020. The right knee strain with arthritis and left knee instability ratings were upheld.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left knee internal derangement with limitation of flexion is denied. A separate initial 20 percent rating for left knee instability, from December 17, 2018 to the present, is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is related to his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors in developing the record and obtaining an adequate VA examination.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as instability of her left knee, have been granted effective from October 21, 2015.,Earlier effective dates for these conditions are also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to address the impact of his service-connected right knee disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding the duration of convalescence required following the Veteran's right knee surgery. The issue of extending the temporary total evaluation for right knee treatment is pending further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee, left shoulder strain (including left shoulder disability), and right shoulder disabilities may be related to service. However, due to a lack of medical opinions addressing these issues, the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including right upper extremity radiculopathy with muscle atrophy, major depressive disorder, and other disabilities, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to dress or undress himself, prepare meals, attend to the wants of nature, and require assistance for driving. The Board has determined that SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is warranted.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims for back, left knee, and right knee disorders due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that there is new and relevant evidence to consider regarding the Veteran's claims for right knee joint osteoarthritis and depression. The case is being remanded for further review.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no service connection is granted for any of the claimed conditions.

The Board has granted an effective date of October 25, 2018, for the Veteran's service-connected left knee meniscectomy residuals. The issue is now dismissed as moot since the benefit sought has been fully granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee retropatellar pain syndrome is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The appellant requested to withdraw their appeal regarding the claim for service connection for chronic left knee pain. As a result, the Board has dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is found to be related to service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.,Secondary service connection is also granted for joint aches, chronic fatigue condition (including dizziness), and chronic abdominal pain as secondary to hepatitis C.

The Veteran's residuals of left ear tympanic membrane perforation are related to his active service.,The Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of right shoulder, left shoulder, and fibromyalgia conditions have been remanded due to procedural errors. The issue of right knee condition has also been remanded for additional development.