Knee decisions — 2024

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased disability rating for service-connected right knee instability.

The Board has dismissed all appeals regarding the Veteran's claims for various conditions and service connection, as the Veteran withdrew his appeals in writing.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted as service connected. The right knee disability claim is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the RO did not commit clear and unmistakable error in the March 2008 rating decision, as it was reasonably supported by the evidence of record and correctly applied the laws and regulations then in effect.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and allergic rhinitis with deviated nasal septum have been reopened due to new evidence. The claim for left knee arthritis remains denied.,The Board has determined that the July 2019 VA medical opinion is inadequate as it rests on an inaccurate factual premise regarding the Veteran's post-service treatment history.

The Board has remanded several claims related to the Veteran's knee and cervical spine disabilities, including effective date determinations and initial disability ratings. The TDIU claim was also remanded for due process development.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is granted as service-connected due to in-service noise exposure. The lumbar spine and right knee disabilities are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examination opinions regarding the Veteran's left hip, bilateral knees, and foot disabilities. The examiner must determine if these conditions preexisted service or were aggravated by service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for annual clothing allowances for his back brace and bilateral knee braces in 2020, but denied the claim for a right ankle brace due to lack of service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, right hip disability, left hip disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability. These conditions are deemed to be directly related to his active military service.,No specific exposure basis was provided in the decision.

The Veteran's lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities are being remanded for further review. The claims will be considered on their merits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee pain, as well as right and left ankle pain, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability at the time of the decision on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, as he is unable to dress or undress himself, keep himself clean and presentable, prepare his own meals, and protect himself from daily hazards. The Board has granted entitlement to SMC(l).

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for left and right knee strains as they are considered concurrent elections due to a pending appeal.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 60 percent, granting a higher rating than previously. SMC benefits were restored after being discontinued due to a clear and unmistakable error.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various shoulder, knee, and hair loss conditions due to a lack of evidence linking these disabilities to active service.

The Veteran's initial rating for patellofemoral syndrome claimed as left knee pain is denied, with a final evaluation of 10 percent effective January 26, 2019.,The Veteran's initial rating for depression is denied, with a final evaluation of 30 percent effective January 26, 2019. The appeal regarding service connection for right supraclavicular nerve impingement, chest pain, headaches, and dizziness/vertigo is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the etiology of various disabilities, including right hip pain, left hip pain, left foot pain, right foot pain, fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, and knee disabilities. The claims for service connection will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for adjudication of claims regarding effective dates for increased ratings, including consideration of whether there was clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the November 2017 Rating Decision.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death due to a right knee disability, finding that there was no evidence linking the Veteran's right knee disability to his death in an automobile accident. The Appellant's statement and supporting letter were not considered sufficient to establish a causal link.