Knee decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted. The claims for brain damage, breast disability, right knee disability, and right shoulder disability are currently pending and need further examination to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various types of chronic pain syndrome were denied, and the effective date was not granted earlier than May 2, 2022.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral knee arthritis due to outstanding private treatment records and a duty-to-assist error. The Veteran is seeking initial compensable ratings for left ear hearing loss, which are denied.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected right wrist, left knee, and foot disabilities.

The Veteran's gastric ulcer with erosive gastroduodenitis is granted an initial 20 percent rating.,Other service connection claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding records and duty to assist omissions.

The Veteran's back disorder is granted service connection. The claims for left and right knee disorders, as well as the right ankle disorder, are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, left knee disorder, disorder manifested by joint pains, digestive disorder, and back disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal concerning several service connection issues, including for cervical condition, right lower extremity condition, left lower extremity condition, left ankle condition, left plantar fasciitis, lumbar spine back condition, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors and to provide the Veteran with a comprehensive examination for his claimed disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for unspecified depressive disorder, unspecified anxiety disorder, bilateral chronic conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome, right knee strain, and bilateral pes planus. The remaining claims are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for left knee osteoarthritis and right knee Baker's cyst due to a predecisional duty-to-assist error, requiring the Veteran to be afforded a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions and a duty to assist error. The Veteran is required to undergo examinations for his right big toe condition, MRSA, and right knee condition.

The Board has restored the Veteran's right knee instability and right knee strain ratings from 0% to 10%. The decision is based on the evidence showing that there was no improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Veteran's right knee meniscal tear and patellofemoral compartment osteoarthritis are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board denied an increased rating as there is no evidence of limitation of motion or instability warranting a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's pre-existing right knee disability, finding that it was aggravated by service. The Veteran's condition worsened during his military service.

The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error in the September 2021 rating decision and has ordered further development to verify the appellant's alleged active duty Reserve service dates. The issues on appeal are now remanded for readjudication.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied service connection for right ankle, left ankle, right knee, left knee, back, neck, and right shoulder disorders. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to low back, left knee, left hip, and right hip disorders have been remanded due to inadequate VA opinions. The Board requires an addendum opinion addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's prescription for Rocephin to treat a joint infection following left knee replacement surgery was approved as emergency treatment. The Board found that the medication was necessary and within the scope of what is reimbursable under VA regulations.