Knee decisions — 2024

The Board has decided that additional evidence from Indian Health Service needs to be obtained in order to properly decide the service connection claims for osteoarthritis of the left and right knees, instability of the left and right knees, and osteoarthritis of the right hip.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable. The claims for lower right back pain, right knee injury, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are granted on the merits. The claim for a headache disorder (migraines) and TBI remain pending.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations for right and left knee disorders, as well as bilateral foot disorders, are inadequate to decide these claims. The Veteran's service records show he was treated for knee injuries during service and reported ongoing symptoms since leaving service. Therefore, further examination is needed.

The Board has granted a 60 percent disability rating for both the right and left total knee replacements (TKRs) effective from November 1, 2017, and December 1, 2018, respectively. However, the appellant's claims for increased ratings prior to her TKR surgeries remain pending and require further development.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle disability, including gastro-soleus equinus syndrome and bilateral pes planus (plantar fasciitis), is related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's bilateral knee disability was caused by his service-connected bilateral ankle disability. The low back disability is also linked to the service-connected bilateral ankle disability and bilateral feet disabilities.,PTSD is found to be related to the Veteran's active duty service, with a diagnosis of PTSD confirmed in private examination reports.,ED is determined to be secondary to PTSD, as diagnosed by a private examiner.,Obstructive sleep apnea is also found to be secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for right knee strain, left knee strain, and residuals of a left ankle fracture are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence.

The Board denied increased ratings for left knee conditions and scars, finding no evidence to support higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations. The issues include psychiatric disorders, kidney conditions, headaches, dermatitis, musculoskeletal conditions of the left shoulder, lumbar spine, knees, and feet.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims for service connection can be adjudicated. The RO must issue a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) to address the new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee strain, as well as right and left shin splints, finding that these conditions are directly related to the Veteran's extensive physical training during his military service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU was denied. He is currently receiving a combined rating of at least 80 percent due to his service-connected disabilities, meeting the schedular requirement for TDIU. However, he failed to complete VA Forms 21-8940 (Veterans Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability), which prevented proper adjudication.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral heel spurs, lower back arthritis, and bilateral knee arthritis with patellofemoral pain syndrome due to inadequate medical opinions and unverified Reserve and National Guard service dates.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee disability, its relationship to service or an incident thereof, whether it is secondary to his service-connected PTSD, whether it is aggravated by his service-connected COPD, and if his obesity caused or aggravated his bilateral knee disability.

The Board has found that another remand is warranted due to the Veteran's failure to attend scheduled VA examinations. The claims for service connection are being returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left and right knee conditions, back issues, radiculopathy, cervical spine condition, upper extremity radiculopathy, hypothyroidism, and PSVT, are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for right knee PSO is dismissed as the maximum schedular rating of 60 percent has already been assigned. The claim for TDIU prior to May 14, 2013, is also denied due to lack of evidence and participation in development.

The Veteran's right knee disability with extension, flexion, and meniscus issues have been granted effective from March 21, 2012.,A total right knee replacement was performed on December 22, 2022.

The Board denied service connection for back, right knee, and left knee disorders due to lack of evidence showing a direct link between the conditions and military service.

The Board has restored the Veteran's ratings for right knee instability and chronic bronchitis, effective October 1, 2017. The restoration is based on evidence showing no actual improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board has granted service connection for neck and left knee disabilities. The remaining issues of secondary service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, right-hand, and left-hand conditions are remanded for further development.