Knee decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee tendinitis with osteoarthritis and a compensable rating for limitation of extension prior to November 13, 2023, and in excess of 40 percent from that date is denied. The TDIU claim prior to April 20, 2018, is also denied.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for his scar, status post left knee laceration (three sutures), is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show that the scar was painful or unstable at any point during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional procedural and evidentiary development, including verifying the exact dates of the appellant's Active Duty Training (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty Training (INACDUTRA) periods in his Army National Guard service. The AOJ is also instructed to adjudicate the claims on the merits.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder other than the service-connected IBS, kidney stones and renal insufficiency, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression, anxiety, PTSD, and sleep disorder), migraine headaches, heart disorder, bilateral knee disorder, hypertension, DVT, glaucoma, cholesterol, and fibromyalgia are all remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's service connection claims will be remanded to determine the etiology of his gastrointestinal disorders, kidney stones and renal insufficiency, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression, anxiety, PTSD, and sleep disorder), migraine headaches, heart disorder, bilateral knee disorder, hypertension, DVT, glaucoma, cholesterol, and fibromyalgia.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine arthritis and stenosis, left hip arthritis, bilateral knee arthritis, arthritis and radiculopathy of the bilateral feet, and arthritis and neuropathy of the bilateral hands.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral shoulder disorder and bilateral knee disorder as there is no evidence of in-service injury or chronicity of symptoms, and the Veteran's assertions are not credible.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder with anxious distress and psychotic features, obstructive sleep apnea, and left knee degenerative arthritis. The conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has denied service connection for left knee osteoarthritis and a left leg pain, swelling, and weakness disability due to the lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's left knee strain status post meniscectomy is rated at 20 percent for the period prior to July 26, 2021 and 10 percent thereafter. The right knee disability remains rated at 20 percent for limitation of extension.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee arthritis and assigned a 10 percent rating. The Veteran's initial disability ratings for left knee limitation of extension (10%) and lateral instability (10%) have been maintained.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee disabilities have been denied. The criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes were not met.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for psychiatric disabilities, shoulder and knee injuries, hearing loss, hypertension, and sleep apnea. The remand also includes a request to verify the Veteran's periods of active duty with the Navy Reserve.

The Veteran's left knee disability was previously rated at 10% for limitation of flexion and granted a 30% rating for limitation of extension. From July 7, 2023, the Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for either condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and insomnia disorder, is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied due to lack of current evidence meeting VA compensation criteria.,Service connection for bronchitis/reactive airway disease is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a low back disability is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a left knee disability is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a right knee disability is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a left foot disability is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a right foot disability is remanded for further review.

Service connection is granted for right and left knee patellofemoral instability.,Service connection is also granted for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease (DJD).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for his knee, hip, and ankle disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions in prior examinations. The VA is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions that reconcile with a June 2018 private opinion letter.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone have not rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to outstanding medical records and need for additional VA examinations. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, right knee disorder, back disorder, and bilateral foot disorder are all under review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis is secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.