Knee decisions — 2024

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for services provided by the appellant on July 17, 2019 were denied as there was no indication of prior authorization and the treatment did not meet the criteria for emergency medical care.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to March 12, 2021. The Board has determined that the criteria for a TDIU from March 12, 2021 have been met.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the onset and etiology of his claimed conditions. The issues include back pain, bilateral knee disabilities, chronic allergies, chronic bronchitis, and bilateral foot conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and right ankle disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing current disability at any time during or approximate to the filing of the claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for right ankle DJD and left knee osteoarthritis due to insufficient evidence in the record. The Veteran's current ratings of 10 percent are maintained.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee arthritis but has remanded the issue of left knee meniscal tear due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity in service or a nexus to an in-service injury.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disorder, including whether it is related to his service-connected left knee disability and if obesity played a role in the development of the condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The specific disabilities are lung disability, lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, left foot disability (claimed as Morton's neuroma with hammer toes and foot tumor pain), and right foot disability (claimed as Morton's neuroma with hammer toes and foot tumor pain).

The Veteran is granted an effective date of February 19, 2011 for his TDIU and DEA eligibility due to service-connected PTSD and bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability. The claim for tinnitus is granted due to the indication of chronicity since service and lay testimony. The claims for bilateral dry eye, foot fungus, ankle, knee, and wrist disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various musculoskeletal and gynecological issues, including a hysterectomy, low back disorders, radiculopathies in both lower extremities, and knee disorders.

The Board has denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and a right knee disability. Service connection was granted for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder at a 50% rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation for the period between July 8, 2019, to September 29, 2021. The Board has granted TDIU during this period.

The Veteran's tinnitus, lower back condition (lumbar arthritis), lower extremity radiculopathy, right shoulder arthritis and tendonitis, and left knee condition are all granted service connection. The hearing loss claim is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, right shoulder disability, bilateral knee condition, and vertigo are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.,No new or relevant evidence has been received that would warrant readjudication of any claim.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The conditions are considered to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.,Service connection is established for all three conditions based on their onset during active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance is remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for a detailed examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee and hip disabilities, as well as sleep disturbances. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development and consideration.