Knee decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and degenerative arthritis of the right knee, rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to July 13, 2016. The Board granted a TDIU for this period.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and lumbar spine disabilities due to new and material evidence. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of her current disabilities. The AOJ is instructed to obtain updated VA treatment records, private treatment records from the Valentine Clinic in Nebraska and Indian Health Services, and schedule a VA musculoskeletal examination.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee and bilateral dry eye syndrome, but denied service connection for left eye macular hole. The Veteran's claims are remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule him for a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (claimed as peripheral neuropathy). Service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a need for new medical opinions regarding the etiology of OSA, left knee disorder, and respiratory disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his in-service injuries or events.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability is not caused by service or a service-connected condition, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran's left knee disorder is related to his service, specifically an in-service injury and exposure to icy conditions. The case is being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's right knee disability, post-total knee replacement, is rated at a maximum of 60 percent as of April 1, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development being necessary, including determining if the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities were incurred during a period of active service and whether they clearly and unmistakably existed prior to his period of ACDUTRA service from May 6, 1989, to May 20, 1989.

The Veteran's right knee sprain and instability have been granted separate evaluations, with the sprain receiving a 10% evaluation effective June 19, 2014, and the instability receiving a 10% evaluation effective March 16, 2015. The earlier effective date for service connection of right knee instability is set at March 16, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back condition, right knee condition (claimed as right leg condition), and right foot condition. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right knee disability, ulcer disability, hypertension, and hip tendinitis. The decision also remanded several issues related to hip tendinitis.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disability and bilateral knee disability secondary to low back disability, finding that the Veteran's statements regarding her symptoms are credible and resolving reasonable doubt in her favor.

The Veteran's service connection claim for migraine headaches is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is in approximate balance as to whether current migraines are related to service, and thus grants service connection on a direct basis.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected right knee disability is remanded due to inconsistencies in the VA examination findings and need for further evaluation.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease is rated at 20 percent from April 10, 2013. His left knee degenerative joint disease is rated at 30 percent since October 26, 2021.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as it is proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, specifically his knee and finger surgeries.