Knee decisions — 2024

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disorder, including as secondary to a service-connected right ankle disorder due to lack of credible evidence supporting his claims.

The Veteran's appeal was granted due to a clear and unmistakable error in the November 2015 rating decision, which denied a compensable rating for his right knee disability. The Board found that there was sufficient evidence of painful motion over a period of years.

The Board has remanded the claims for migraines, left knee strain, and right knee strain due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology and pathophysiology. Specifically, a VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service, including any TERA exposure.

The Board has determined that the decision denying eligibility for PCAFC is not clear and does not provide adequate reasons or bases. The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), tension headache, left shoulder labral tear, wrist tendinitis, fibromyalgia, lumbosacral strain, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, tinnitus, TMJ capsulitis, dry eye syndrome, allergic rhinitis, scars, and psoriasis are considered. The Board has ordered remand to clarify the reason for denial and provide proper notice.

The Veteran's request for a temporary total evaluation (TTE) based on the need for convalescence following his right knee surgery is denied as there was no evidence showing he needed more than one month of convalescence.

Service connection is granted for left-elbow, left-knee, and left-shoulder conditions.,Service connection is denied for anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to March 16, 2014, for service connection of left and right knee limitation of flexion and a lumbar spine condition have been dismissed. The claim for an effective date prior to September 14, 2021, for left and right knee limitation of extension has also been dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding private treatment records from Riverside Mathews Medical Center.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted effective February 11, 2011. Basic eligibility for Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits based on permanent and total disability status is also granted from the same date. The appeal concerning increased ratings for left knee instability prior to January 23, 2023, and left knee post-traumatic arthritis with moderate residuals is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support direct or secondary service connection. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been granted a separate rating of 20 percent for instability, effective as of the date of the decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to receipt of additional VA clinical documentation that was not initially considered. The Veteran must waive Agency of Original Jurisdiction review or it will be assumed he does not wish to do so.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the lack of clarity in previous examinations and the need for updated medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted, with a separate rating of 10 percent for right knee instability effective from September 29, 2014.,Right knee joint osteoarthritis receives a 10 percent evaluation as of September 29, 2014.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various musculoskeletal disabilities are being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration.,Service connection is denied for right ear hearing loss, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, left hip disability, and right hip disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and treatment records, requiring a new VA examination that considers the Veteran's complete medical history as well as his symptoms without the use of medication.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is rated at 30 percent for limited flexion, 10 percent for limited extension from December 19, 2023 onward, and 20 percent prior to that date for moderate instability.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an adequate medical examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's right knee disability, which was denied in part because of issues with causation and aggravation opinions.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and lateral instability were denied initial ratings higher than the current assigned ratings.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are rated at 10 percent each, based on limitation of flexion. The Board denied entitlement to higher ratings as the evidence did not show flexion limited to 30 degrees or less.