Knee Board decisions

The Board dismissed the issue of service connection for obesity. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left knee disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's right knee has been granted ratings for recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of 'locking', pain, and effusion, removal of symptomatic semilunar cartilage, limitation of flexion, and limitation of extension throughout the appellate period.

The appeal for higher initial ratings and SMC rates for the Veteran's right knee disability is being remanded due to outstanding records and the need for a new examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a VA examination that fully addresses his functional loss during flare-ups, following repeated use over time, and/or any functional loss caused by considerations set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.45.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The right knee disability was rated at 10% prior to August 28, 2018, and the left knee disability was rated at 10% prior to May 29, 2018, with a 30% rating granted since December 13, 2022. The Veteran is now receiving TDIU effective June 20, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for left knee arthritis manifested by limitation of flexion was denied because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without showing good cause.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left and right shoulder and knee disorders due to the need for updated medical opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left knee arthritis, as well as his hearing loss, are granted. The Veteran is assigned a 20% rating for bilateral hearing loss from April 24, 2023 onwards.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to inconsistencies in the January 2020 VA examination report and the need for new medical opinions.

The Veteran's right knee status post total knee replacement is rated at 60 percent since March 1, 2022. The Board denied an increased rating in excess of 60 percent for his right knee condition. He was granted a TDIU from February 16, 2011, to January 8, 2021, and DEA eligibility based on permanent and total disability status until March 1, 2022.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition, including secondary to his service-connected left knee condition. The evidence did not support a finding that the current low back condition was caused by any incident of service or his service-connected left knee condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spinal stenosis with degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression) due to new evidence not having been considered in the first instance.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's current right knee and right ankle disabilities and his military service. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right foot and right knee disabilities, both claimed as secondary to a service-connected right ankle disability. The VA examiner is required to provide opinions regarding whether these conditions are directly related to or caused by his active service, as well as whether they are aggravated by his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a misunderstanding of the Veteran's military service history and the presence of certain back conditions. The VA examiner needs to provide new opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's disabilities and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a back condition, left knee condition, and right knee condition. The decision also noted that the Veteran's bilateral foot conditions are remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder. The claims for hypertension and diabetes mellitus are denied, as there is no evidence of in-service onset or a link between these conditions and active service. The right knee condition claim is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, and vision disability have been dismissed. Her back disability has been granted service connection. The remaining issues of left knee tendonitis with knee instability, right knee tendonitis with knee instability, skin condition, and acid reflux are remanded.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection of right and left knee disabilities, to include degenerative arthritis. The claim is granted with a non-compensable rating.