Knee decisions — 2024

The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of December 25, 2003 for TDIU and basic eligibility for DEA benefits since that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current condition and his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for her service-connected fracture right knee, tibial plateau and anterior fibula with painful motion was denied. Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee was established but combined with the existing disability evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to incomplete VA examinations, lack of flare-up information, and other procedural issues. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions and ensure all necessary records are obtained.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and a TDIU prior to July 13, 2015 have been dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of all remaining issues in his Appeals Satisfaction Notice.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee disabilities and left hamstring tendonitis due to inadequate examination findings. The issues of TDIU are also deferred as inextricably intertwined with the remanded claims.

The Board denied a rating greater than 20 percent for right knee anterior cruciate ligament tear with surgical reconstruction, finding that the Veteran's disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including right hand fifth digit condition, respiratory condition (including asthma and COPD), left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, low back condition, hypertension, migraines headaches, and congestive heart failure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to inadequate VA opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including MDD, GAD, and PTSD. The back and right knee disabilities are denied as not related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for a bilateral knee disability and low back disability to obtain an addendum VA medical opinion addressing the Veteran's lay statements of in-service injury and continuity of symptoms, as well as obesity as an intermediary step between service-connected disabilities. The examiner is asked to address whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected right knee limitation of motion, finding that the evidence did not support such an increase.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions have been dismissed due to their death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including a right knee disability and its secondary effects on other joints and systems. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant records, conduct additional development, and provide appropriate VA examinations as needed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The Board finds the evidence at least in equipoise regarding the right and left knee disabilities, but remanded for additional development. Service connection for PTSD is denied due to lack of a confirmed diagnosis by a VA psychiatrist or psychologist.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been dismissed as the benefit sought on appeal has been granted in full.,The application to reopen the claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus and shin splints is granted, but further examination and opinion are needed.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder and back disability, but denied the petition to reopen a claim for right knee disability. The appeals are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for recurrent lumbar spine and left knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, increased rating, and TDIU due to incomplete medical opinions and need for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart condition, chilblains and paresthesias of the bilateral lower extremities (claimed as cold injury residuals), neck condition, and low back condition. The left knee and right knee conditions have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.