Knee decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic arthritis of the right knee with limitation of motion was granted a separate 10 percent rating prior to December 28, 2018.,A disability rating in excess of 30 percent for this condition is denied prior to December 28, 2018.,The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, status-post multiple surgeries, was granted a separate 20 percent rating prior to December 28, 2018.,A 100 percent rating for the service-connected status-post total right knee arthroplasty from December 28, 2018 to September 1, 2020 is granted.,The Veteran's service-connected status-post right knee total arthroplasty from September 1, 2020 is granted a disability rating of 60 percent.

The Veteran's ED is rated at the maximum schedular rating, and a higher rating is not assignable.,VA has granted TDIU based on the combined effects of his service-connected prostate cancer residuals and right knee condition.,Service connection for GERD was granted in an August 2023 rating decision.,The appeal for service connection for GERD has been dismissed as the claim is moot due to the grant of service connection.,Spousal aid and attendance benefits are denied because the Veteran's spouse does not meet the criteria for need of regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for traumatic arthritis of the left knee, status post meniscectomy, is denied. A separate 10 percent rating is granted for traumatic arthritis of the left knee with limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee degenerative joint disease and instability due to issues with earlier effective dates, lack of adequate reasons or bases in the decision, and challenges to the competency of VA examiners.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA mental disorders examination and opinion. Service connection is not granted for left knee strain or right knee strain. The service connection claim for anxiety remains pending.

The Board has remanded the claims of increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected right knee and lower back conditions due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to determine the current severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues on appeal, including reductions in rating and severance of SMC.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10% for limitation of motion and a separate 20% rating for instability. The Board has granted the 20% rating for instability, finding moderate instability warranting such a rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right wrist strain residuals.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including a meniscal tear and anterior cruciate ligament tear, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board denied an increased rating for the overall right knee disability but granted a separate evaluation of 20 percent for frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint.

The Veteran's heart condition, supraventricular tachycardia, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,An initial disability rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's migraine headache disorder is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his lumbar spine and left knee disabilities, as well as his claim for a TDIU. The issues are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left and right knee chondromalacia with arthritis, as well as depression secondary to his knees and ulcerative colitis, are granted. The claim for depression is remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including painful limitation of motion and limited extension, is granted with a 10 percent evaluation. The meniscal tear is also granted at 10 percent.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including the residuals of a status post right patella fracture and right knee injury, was evaluated at 10 percent disabling. The Board found that the flexion limitation did not reach 30 degrees to warrant an increased rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder and left knee disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability in service or within the presumptive period following discharge. The Board also found that any current disabilities were not caused by service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the severity and functional loss of the Veteran's left knee and low back disabilities. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right shoulder, right knee, and left knee disorders due to conflicting opinions from a June 2021 VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient medical evidence and failure of the Veteran to respond to VA examination requests.