Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, is granted as service connected. The Board also found that the Veteran's sleep apnea (OSA), headache condition, left knee condition, right knee condition, right ankle condition, right shoulder condition, and lumbar spine condition are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's March 14, 2014, VA Form 9 was timely filed and reinstated the appeal for increased ratings and service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased ratings for right elbow strain with sclerosis due to insufficient evidence on whether the current conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional medical opinions and records. The Veteran's conditions include PTSD, a painful irritable eye condition, sleep disturbance with mild apnea, headaches, left knee pain, right knee pain, neck pain, numbness and light headedness, right ankle pain, right hip disability, stomach issues (GERD and gastroparesis), degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and hearing loss. The claims are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has denied service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine, right knee, left knee, and migraine disorders. The Board found no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and a separate 10 percent rating for instability is granted. The PTSD to include depression claim is denied, as well as the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for back and left knee disabilities, as well as SMC at the housebound rate prior to October 29, 2018. The Veteran is required to undergo additional VA examinations and a determination regarding TDIU must be made.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied, and the appeals regarding service connection for various conditions were also denied. The decision does not provide a specific rating assigned or effective date.

The Veteran's bladder disorder is granted as secondary to service-connected chronic kidney disease. A 20 percent rating for left knee limitation of flexion prior to March 23, 2021, is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of his service-connected left knee disability has been withdrawn. The issues of service connection for a left hip disorder and a lumbar spine disorder, both secondary to the service-connected left knee disability, are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for left and right knee disabilities and a skin rash under the arms. Service connection for hypertension is granted based on the PACT Act of 2022, but the issue remains remanded as it pertains to a period prior to the PACT Act's effective date.

The Board has dismissed the issues of seborrheic dermatitis and infertility due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The remaining issues have been remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has granted a 60 percent disability rating for the right knee disability from July 1, 2018 to December 21, 2023. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria and aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding his physical limitations.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the increased rating for left knee degenerative arthritis and meniscal tear. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, and right knee conditions due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for right ankle/foot and left ankle/foot conditions, but these are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for right ring finger with suture scar, bilateral upper extremity disability (including carpal tunnel syndrome, RUE radiculopathy, and tendinitis), and right knee disability as secondary to service-connected left knee disability. The claims are being remanded for further examination and medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, effective May 14, 2013. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of flexion or extension.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further consideration of his left knee disability and TDIU claims, including obtaining a VA opinion regarding the nature and severity of his limitation of motion.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for his right knee disability, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.