Knee decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders have been denied. The claims for sinusitis and rhinitis have been granted based on the presumption of exposure to particulate matter under the PACT Act.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various upper extremity and lower extremity disabilities, including those related to his service-connected left foot joint pain, right foot joint pain, and lumbosacral strain, have been denied due to the Veteran failing to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, and a higher rating is denied.,Service connection has been granted for left knee, neck, and low back disabilities based on in-service injury.,Service connection has been granted for eye condition (cataracts), right foot disability, skin rash, and obstructive sleep apnea based on in-service injury and competent lay statements.,The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, and a higher rating is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for torn plica including patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee due to a duty to assist error and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran has been unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities since December 21, 2013. The Board grants TDIU from December 21, 2013 to July 26, 2018.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are not rated higher than the current assigned ratings due to their flexion and extension limitations. The low back disability secondary to the knees is also remanded for further review.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service records are incomplete and remands for further efforts to obtain these records. The issues of service connection remain on appeal.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals of service connection for left knee replacement, hypertension, and CAD under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) because the Veteran did not withdraw his Legacy appeal for these issues.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is granted. Claims for lumbar spine disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder are remanded due to lack of sufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including due to an undiagnosed illness and other disabilities. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance was denied because the evidence did not show he is in need of regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on housebound status was also denied as he does not meet the criteria for this benefit.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, as she was able to complete some educational courses in social work.

The Veteran's migraine headaches and patellofemoral pain, right knee, are granted service connection.,A compensable initial rating for the fifth metacarpal fracture (little finger) of the right hand is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, right hip disorder, and left knee disorders due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error. The issues will be reconsidered with additional medical opinions addressing whether her service-connected PTSD caused or aggravated her weight gain/obesity, which in turn led to her sleep apnea, right hip disorder, and bilateral knee disorders.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection for various conditions as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination of the Veteran's right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for tinnitus and left knee strain are dismissed. The Board has granted service connection for the right shoulder disability, finding that it is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected tension headaches are denied for a compensable rating prior to November 4, 2019, and more than 30 percent thereafter.,Service connection for left and right knee disabilities is remanded due to inadequate VA medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee and right hip conditions, finding that these conditions are more likely than not related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral ankles, knees, and back, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment throughout the period on appeal. As a result, his claim for TDIU is granted.