Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an earlier effective date of service connection. The initial ratings assigned for various disabilities were also denied.

The Board dismissed the appeals for an increased rating for a right knee disability and for revising a prior decision regarding service connection for depressive disorder based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The appeal of the September 2017 denial of a TDIU is dismissed. The appeals for rating greater than 40 percent for low back disorder, and rating greater than 30 percent for right knee disorder and left knee disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a left knee disability due to insufficient evidence in previous VA opinions. The Veteran's lay statements about in-service and post-service knee symptoms are considered, along with his military duties.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in previous examinations and failure to consider a relevant medical record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has found that the remand directives were not substantially complied with and thus, the case is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disabilities have been denied. For the period from January 11, 2018 to March 15, 2019, the Veteran's disability was rated at 10 percent due to painful motion of the joint. From May 1, 2020 onwards, his right knee status-post total replacement was rated at 30 percent. The Board found that these ratings were not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied as his left knee disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and he was found to be capable of maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations of record are not wholly adequate and have not addressed all relevant evidence, including private examination reports. The Veteran's service-connected conditions may warrant higher or separate ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and right knee arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's obesity, which was aggravated by his treatment for service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to an injury sustained during his active duty.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the lumbar spine and left knee disabilities, so these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis and radiculopathy are currently rated at 20 percent, but no higher. The Board finds a remand is necessary to obtain VA examinations for the remaining issues.,Service connection for right shoulder joint pain, right hand chronic pain (claimed as arthritis and psoriatic arthritis), right knee chronic pain (claimed as arthritis and psoriatic arthritis), and right ankle chronic pain (claimed as arthritis and psoriatic arthritis) are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis, is at least as likely as not related to his military service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic cough, chronic fatigue, and chronic headache. The claim for erectile dysfunction is also granted.,Service connection for posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the left knee was previously established.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the presumption of soundness and aggravation during service. The Veteran's right knee condition is presumed to have existed prior to service, but there is uncertainty about whether it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for right knee limitation of flexion and extension prior to April 27, 2023 were denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and knee strain, prior to November 27, 2018, based on limitation of extension; a rating in excess of 40 percent for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and knee strain, as of November 27, 2018, based on limitation of extension; and entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee instability as of April 17, 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, finding that there is not an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence to support the claim.