Knee decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that the claims of service connection for left and right shoulder conditions, as well as left knee postoperative degenerative joint disease with surgical scar, need to be remanded due to inadequate rationale in previous VA examination opinions.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective from April 24, 2009 to February 11, 2013, finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment during this period.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations to determine the current severity of his gastritis, somatic syndrome disorder with unspecified depressive disorder, lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left knee internal derangement (flexion), left knee lateral instability, and tinnitus disabilities. The Veteran also needs clarification on the nature of his claimed balance disability.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with the January 2023 remand directives and thus, another remand is warranted for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's left and right knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee condition, finding that his current condition is related to his active service and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed.,An effective date prior to July 13, 2017, for the grant of service connection for a fungal infection of the fingers and toes is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear findings regarding the Veteran's right knee conditions, specifically whether he had a meniscal condition or patellar instability during the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for right knee traumatic arthritis and entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's lower back disability, including a lumbosacral strain, spondylosis, and facet arthropathy with disc bulges, is granted.,Increased evaluations for right knee degenerative arthritis and left knee degenerative arthritis are remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder, but has remanded his claims regarding evaluations for lumbar spine and left leg disabilities, as well as service connection for radiculopathy of the lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board finds the Veteran has a diagnosed cervical spine condition, back condition, and bilateral knee conditions that are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The Veteran's headaches are also found to be at least as likely as not related to his service-connected tinnitus.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including a PCL tear and meniscal issues, has been remanded for further development.,His right knee laxity is currently rated as 20 percent from September 12, 2017, to April 30, 2018, and as 20 percent since May 1, 2018.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to his failure to attend scheduled VA examinations. The Veteran was unable to attend because he had been displaced by a tornado, which provided good cause.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions and service connection issues are being remanded due to the receipt of new evidence. The specific issues include rating adjustments, service connection determinations, and reopening of previously denied claims.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities, previously rated at 10%, have been restored to a 20% rating effective April 1, 2017. The ratings for limitation of extension were increased from 10% to 30% prior to May 30, 2018, and from May 30, 2018, the ratings for limitation of flexion have been increased to 30%.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder osteoarthritis, sleep disorder (to include sleep apnea), and left knee disorder have all been denied.,Service connection was not granted for a sleep disorder due to the lack of evidence showing it during or within one year after separation from service. The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence linking any current sleep disorder to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee disorder was also denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition during service and no competent medical evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's PTSD, back disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and TBI have been granted service connection. The Veteran is also awarded an increased rating of 70% for his PTSD.