Knee Board decisions

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected left knee retropatellar pain syndrome based on limitation of extension, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obesity, which is a component in determining whether his service-connected orthopedic and psychiatric disabilities cause or aggravate his obesity.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen her claim for service connection for left knee osteoarthritis. The issue of service connection for right knee disability (secondary to service-connected left knee osteoarthritis) is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, has been granted. The appeal to reopen her claim of entitlement to service connection for right knee strain with patellofemoral pain syndrome was also granted.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for low back disability and bilateral knee disability due to missing service treatment records.,The VA examiner did not provide a sufficient rationale based on the available evidence, including the Veteran's in-service duties.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to March 24, 2016.

The Veteran's right knee disability is characterized by pain and limited flexion to 100 degrees. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a higher rating, as the condition does not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and evaluation of his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbar spine, bilateral foot, hearing loss, gastritis, GERD, sleep apnea, headaches, vision impairment, cervicalgia, knee disabilities, hip strains, and ankle strains.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including reopening of service connection for various conditions and entitlement to service connection. The decision also emphasizes the need to obtain any outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are being remanded due to the need for new medical opinions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a left knee disability and right hip disability as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. Service connection is now established.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for the claims of service connection for left and right knee disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of private treatment records.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent prior to April 16, 2019 and 40 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any portion of the period on appeal.,For the period from April 16, 2019 onwards, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability has not been manifested by ankylosis or its functional equivalent.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent prior to July 27, 2023. From July 27, 2023, he is granted separate ratings for left and right knee extension.

The Veteran's sinusitis and fibromyalgia have been granted service connection. The Board has remanded for further development on multiple other conditions, including bilateral fibrocystic breasts, diverticulosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, restless legs, left cubital tunnel syndrome, left hip condition, right hip condition, left knee condition, and right knee condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for gastrointestinal condition, bilateral shoulder condition, and other conditions. The underlying merits of these claims are remanded to allow for further development.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated as noncompensable, and the appeal for a compensable evaluation is denied.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted a total disability evaluation based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.,The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with arthritis remains at 10 percent, and the case is remanded to schedule an examination for further assessment.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip, left knee, and right knee disabilities based on the Veteran's competent and credible reports of symptoms during and after service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various recurrent disabilities, including knee, foot, spine, and eye conditions. The decision also notes that active duty records are incomplete due to unverified periods with the Navy Reserve.