Knee decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis, is at least as likely as not related to his military service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic cough, chronic fatigue, and chronic headache. The claim for erectile dysfunction is also granted.,Service connection for posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the left knee was previously established.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the presumption of soundness and aggravation during service. The Veteran's right knee condition is presumed to have existed prior to service, but there is uncertainty about whether it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for right knee limitation of flexion and extension prior to April 27, 2023 were denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and knee strain, prior to November 27, 2018, based on limitation of extension; a rating in excess of 40 percent for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and knee strain, as of November 27, 2018, based on limitation of extension; and entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee instability as of April 17, 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, finding that there is not an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence to support the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis was incurred in or caused by service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral spine and left knee disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Board has granted entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which leave him in need of regular assistance.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims for service connection can be adjudicated on the merits. The Veteran's lower back, right knee, bilateral foot, and gastrointestinal disabilities are all remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's right knee tendonitis with osteoarthritis and shin splints claim is remanded for further examination to determine the current severity of his disability.

The Veteran's appeal for compensation under 38 U.S.C. §1151 for the left leg below-the-knee amputation was dismissed due to his death after the Court remanded the matter.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left leg disability, specifically residuals of a fracture to the proximal fibula with traumatic arthritis and degenerative conditions in the ankle and knee, should be remanded for further development due to inadequate VA examinations. The appeal is not about service connection but rather about the appropriate rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete range of motion testing in the VA examination, and a new examination is required.

Service connection is granted for atrial fibrillation, prostate cancer, hypertension, and chronic fatigue syndrome.,Service connection is also granted for left knee instability (left leg spasms), right knee instability (right leg spasms), left knee strain (left lower extremity pain), and right knee strain (right lower extremity pain).,Service connection is further granted for left olecranon bursitis (left arm pain) and right olecranon bursitis (right arm pain).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, left hip, right hip, left knee, and right knee disorders are not service-connected due to a lack of evidence showing their onset or aggravation during her active duty. The acquired psychiatric disorder is also not service-connected as there is no clear and specific etiology related to her military service.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the bilateral knees, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's in-service duties. The effective date was not specified.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disorders due to outstanding treatment records, new evidence, and a need for additional examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for limitation of motion of the right knee meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis due to incomplete VA examination and lack of information about flare-ups.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU. The appeals for increased evaluations and earlier effective date were withdrawn by the Veteran.