Knee decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluation of cervical spine disability and service connection for bilateral knee degenerative joint disease was denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current disabilities to active service, including as due to exposure to environmental toxins.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, right and left ankle disabilities, a back disability, and cystitis. The claim for service connection for migraine headaches is remanded.

The Board has remanded three issues related to service connection for right thumb strain with arthritis, right knee strain with osteoarthritis, and left knee osteoarthritis (including as secondary to the right knee disability).

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a supplemental medical opinion and updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's appeal is still pending as it pertains to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection of right knee disorder, left knee disorder, sleep disorder, and left eye disorder as these conditions have been granted on appeal in a previous rating decision.

The appeal for service connection for PTSD is dismissed. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and onychomycosis on the left foot and tinea pedis on the right foot are granted. The appeals for service connection for right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and entitlement to a rating are REMANDED.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to unresolved issues regarding his claimed disabilities, including fatigue, memory loss, headaches, sleep apnea, and bilateral shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee pain. The remand requires additional medical opinions on etiology and whether these conditions are related to toxic exposure during military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities met the schedular criteria for a TDIU effective February 6, 2012. The Board found that he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's asthma, left hip arthritis, bilateral knee arthritis, and thoracolumbar spine arthritis have all been granted service connection as they are related to his military duties and exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of VA examinations, which are necessary to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, bilateral foot, and cervical spine disabilities due to a lack of new and relevant evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected right ear hearing loss is found to be the proximate cause of his diagnosed adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances due to use of bilateral shoe inserts and topical medication (Diclofenac) were denied as they do not qualify as items that wear or tear outer garments. The Veteran's back brace and knee braces were remanded because the specific types of braces used by the Veteran are unclear, and their impact on her clothing is also unclear.,The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances due to use of bilateral shoe inserts and topical medication (Diclofenac) were denied as they do not qualify as items that wear or tear outer garments. The Veteran's back brace and knee braces were remanded because the specific types of braces used by the Veteran are unclear, and their impact on her clothing is also unclear.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received, granting the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder arthritis disorder.,The appeal as to the claim of entitlement to service connection for left knee arthritis is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right knee osteoarthritis have been granted. The rating for his lumbar strain degenerative arthritis has been restored from 40% to 10%.

The appeal is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors, including failing to request the Veteran's death certificate and not fully addressing accrued benefits or substitution issues. Further development is needed to potentially include obtaining outstanding treatment records and an examination/opinion regarding Vietnam service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error in obtaining VA treatment records from Vista Imaging. The Veteran is not currently service connected for any of these conditions, and his claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal for a restoration of her 30 percent rating for left knee meniscal tear status post arthroscopy was granted. Her initial rating for left knee instability was also granted at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.