Knee Board decisions

The Board denied a rating greater than 20 percent for right knee anterior cruciate ligament tear with surgical reconstruction, finding that the Veteran's disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including right hand fifth digit condition, respiratory condition (including asthma and COPD), left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, low back condition, hypertension, migraines headaches, and congestive heart failure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to inadequate VA opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including MDD, GAD, and PTSD. The back and right knee disabilities are denied as not related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for a bilateral knee disability and low back disability to obtain an addendum VA medical opinion addressing the Veteran's lay statements of in-service injury and continuity of symptoms, as well as obesity as an intermediary step between service-connected disabilities. The examiner is asked to address whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected right knee limitation of motion, finding that the evidence did not support such an increase.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions have been dismissed due to their death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including a right knee disability and its secondary effects on other joints and systems. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant records, conduct additional development, and provide appropriate VA examinations as needed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The Board finds the evidence at least in equipoise regarding the right and left knee disabilities, but remanded for additional development. Service connection for PTSD is denied due to lack of a confirmed diagnosis by a VA psychiatrist or psychologist.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been dismissed as the benefit sought on appeal has been granted in full.,The application to reopen the claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus and shin splints is granted, but further examination and opinion are needed.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder and back disability, but denied the petition to reopen a claim for right knee disability. The appeals are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for recurrent lumbar spine and left knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, increased rating, and TDIU due to incomplete medical opinions and need for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart condition, chilblains and paresthesias of the bilateral lower extremities (claimed as cold injury residuals), neck condition, and low back condition. The left knee and right knee conditions have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic arthritis of the right knee with limitation of motion was granted a separate 10 percent rating prior to December 28, 2018.,A disability rating in excess of 30 percent for this condition is denied prior to December 28, 2018.,The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, status-post multiple surgeries, was granted a separate 20 percent rating prior to December 28, 2018.,A 100 percent rating for the service-connected status-post total right knee arthroplasty from December 28, 2018 to September 1, 2020 is granted.,The Veteran's service-connected status-post right knee total arthroplasty from September 1, 2020 is granted a disability rating of 60 percent.

The Veteran's ED is rated at the maximum schedular rating, and a higher rating is not assignable.,VA has granted TDIU based on the combined effects of his service-connected prostate cancer residuals and right knee condition.,Service connection for GERD was granted in an August 2023 rating decision.,The appeal for service connection for GERD has been dismissed as the claim is moot due to the grant of service connection.,Spousal aid and attendance benefits are denied because the Veteran's spouse does not meet the criteria for need of regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for traumatic arthritis of the left knee, status post meniscectomy, is denied. A separate 10 percent rating is granted for traumatic arthritis of the left knee with limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee degenerative joint disease and instability due to issues with earlier effective dates, lack of adequate reasons or bases in the decision, and challenges to the competency of VA examiners.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA mental disorders examination and opinion. Service connection is not granted for left knee strain or right knee strain. The service connection claim for anxiety remains pending.

The Board has remanded the claims of increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected right knee and lower back conditions due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to determine the current severity of his disabilities.