Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's right knee limitation of extension was found to be no more than 5 degrees, even considering flare-ups and repeated use over time. The Veteran is not entitled to a compensable rating for his right knee extension prior to October 17, 2023.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show functional loss equivalent to flexion limited to 30 degrees or less in either knee, nor did it show a current diagnosis of upper airway resistance syndrome, mucosal neoplasm of oral cavity, or gynecological condition for VA compensation purposes.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for CTS were also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show any current symptoms or functional impairment related to these conditions.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including osteoarthritis and a meniscus tear prior to partial replacement, is rated at 20% from March 26, 2014, to June 8, 2015. The post-replacement residuals are now rated at 30%, encompassing previous separate ratings.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on the issues of migraines and headaches, severe body aches and joint pain, bilateral knee condition, bilateral ankle condition, sleeping disorder, bilateral wrist condition, bilateral hip condition, squamous cell carcinoma, and fatigue has been dismissed. Service connection is granted for PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of right and left knee disabilities, as well as his claim for a compensable disability rating for service-connected pleurisy tuberculosis. The denial is based on the absence of new and material evidence that would support a finding of service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various knee and wrist conditions due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disorders, as well as for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder), tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for these conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for tinnitus has been denied as the condition is not shown to have been so exceptional or unusual as to render impractical the application of the regular schedular standards.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for gouty arthritis of his knees, ankles, and feet are remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee pain, hepatitis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to missing treatment records and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's left knee disability is remanded for further examination and opinion to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to his service, including the strenuous physical activities he reported.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to September 30, 2020, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied. Service connection for hypertension (HTN) is granted and the appeal is remanded for further examination to determine if service connection should be granted for bilateral foot, knee, neck, or right shoulder disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, to include as secondary to his right knee patellofemoral syndrome was denied. His claim for an increased rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome with meniscal tear residuals was granted at a 10 percent rating effective November 17, 2016. The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for residuals of a fractured nose with deviated nasal septum and TDIU were denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot, left knee, and right knee conditions due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status prior to October 10, 2014, is denied as he does not meet the threshold requirements for SMC housebound benefits.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% effective August 25, 2015. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a left knee disorder and increased ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis, GERD, and major depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and sleep apnea are not service-connected, but has found that his left knee condition may be secondary to his right knee disability. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The right ankle, left ankle, and left knee scars are not rated higher than the current 10 percent due to their non-painful and stable nature.,Tonsillitis is currently assigned a 10 percent rating, which is the maximum allowed under Diagnostic Code 6599-6516. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not warrant additional ratings.

The Board has determined that the current evidence is insufficient to establish a service connection for ED, and thus remands the case for an addendum opinion.