Knee decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for patellofemoral pain syndrome of the left and right knees were denied as his knee conditions do not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.,Service connection was also denied for both left and right ankle disabilities, with the Board concluding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or chronic condition related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for patellofemoral pain syndrome of the knee (left knee disability) as secondary to service-connected tendonitis of the left ankle, residual of left ankle fracture avulsion (left ankle disability). The issue of a rating higher than 10 percent for a left ankle disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA examination for left knee instability, and instructed that a new examination be scheduled.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is granted based on the PACT Act, effective August 10, 2022. The Veteran also received Individual Unemployability benefits as of March 7, 2019.

The Board has dismissed all appeals regarding service connection for various conditions, including right and left knee disorders, sleep apnea, and PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine and left hip disability were denied as they are not related to his active duty service.,Service connection for neurological symptoms of the left lower extremity, including neuropathy and radiculopathy, was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's October 2019 VA Form 10182 may be considered a valid and timely Notice of Disagreement, and thus the appeal for service connection for lumbosacral spine disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and tinnitus is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further development, including VA examinations and medical opinions, to assess the severity of his right knee disability.

The Board has decided to remand the issues of service connection for bilateral hip condition, lower back condition, and bilateral knee condition due to insufficient examination opinions. The Veteran's statements about his symptoms are considered credible unless inconsistent with medical evidence or principles.

The Board granted the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for a left knee, left thigh, lower back, and left ankle conditions due to new and material evidence. The claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition was dismissed as it is now moot.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a left knee disability was granted, and his claim for TDIU was dismissed. The Board found that the evidence supported a current diagnosis of left knee conditions related to service.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted an initial 10 percent rating. Ratings for his right and left wrist ganglion cysts with tendonitis are denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5214 due to lack of ankylosis. Service connection issues remain pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial increased rating for her left knee residuals and instability due to inadequate consideration of VA examination reports, lack of clear definitions for disability criteria, and need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including knee, foot, hip, shoulder, and psychiatric disabilities. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development as requested.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a left knee condition, depression, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD due to deficiencies in medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has granted the veteran's eligibility for VA home loan guaranty benefits due to his discharge from active duty service due to a pre-existing left knee disability that was aggravated during service.

The Veteran's hepatitis B, left knee total joint replacement, right knee total joint replacement, and left knee surgical scar claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional VA examinations. The claims for lower back condition, left knee condition, acid reflux, hypertension, right ankle condition, right knee condition (secondary), and migraine headaches are being remanded.

The Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder and knee disabilities have been reopened. The Board has remanded these claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from before 2000 and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis, finding that the evidence is at least in approximate balance as to whether his current condition is related to his active-duty service.