Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee instability, and left knee strain have been denied as the symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under VA disability evaluation criteria.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD, liver disorder, cold injury residuals including of the feet, legs, and knees, bilateral elbow disabilities, bilateral knee disabilities, bilateral hip disabilities, and back disability. The Veteran's claims were not supported by current diagnoses or a causal link to his military service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is being remanded for additional development due to a potential pre-decisional error in the duty to assist.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an incomplete analysis of the Veteran's right elbow condition, which may be related to his service-connected lower extremity disabilities. The claim will be reviewed again with a focus on whether the right elbow condition is proximately due or aggravated by these conditions.

The Veteran's representative has withdrawn all appeals, including those for service connection and readjudication of various disabilities. As a result, the Board is dismissing these appeals.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues related to service connection, including bilateral shin pains, left knee strain, right knee condition, PTSD, and upper back pain. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for revision of a 1984 rating decision regarding his left knee disability has been dismissed due to procedural defects.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically failing to request an opinion regarding the impact of service-connected disabilities on the Veteran's occupational functioning prior to January 10, 2018.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the surviving spouse is advised to resubmit her request for substitution at the AOJ.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied as there is no evidence of its onset in service or a link to service.,Before January 1, 2016, the Veteran's headaches were rated at 30 percent and not higher due to lack of very frequent, completely prostrating attacks. Beginning January 1, 2016, his rating was increased to 50 percent based on more severe symptoms.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and cervical spine disability have been granted service connection, with a 20 percent rating for the right knee condition. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating on his left knee disability has been withdrawn. Service connection is granted for asthma, but the Board finds that there are pre-decisional duty to assist errors regarding service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, bilateral shoulder, and right knee disabilities.

Your previous appeals for service connection for knee and ankle arthritis have been dismissed because the July 12, 2021 notice of disagreement was found to be duplicative.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of February 26, 2009 for the grant of Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA). The Veteran's service-connected right knee disorder and back disorder have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since at least February 26, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for his service-connected left knee patellofemoral syndrome status post patellar replacement is dismissed as the Veteran requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Veteran's headaches are granted a 30% rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's urinary urgency and right knee strain remain at their current ratings.

The Board has found the VA examination opinions inadequate due to their failure to address direct service connection and the Veteran's competent reports of self-treating with over-the-counter medication. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's left knee instability is rated at 20 percent, and his right lower extremity and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each rated at 20 percent. The claims for service connection on remand.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of neck, left knee, and right knee disabilities as they have already been granted in a previous rating decision. The claims of erectile dysfunction and bilateral leg numbness are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot, lumbar spine, and right knee disorders due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The claims will be reconsidered with additional evidence or examination.