Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a right knee strain and an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for right knee instability, to include a compensable rating earlier than November 30, 2021.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches, chest pains, blurred vision, and left knee disability have been denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of a nexus between these conditions and service.,Specifically, the Board determined that there is no credible evidence showing that any of these conditions began during service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and a left knee condition due to new evidence submitted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left hip condition is also reopened. However, further development is needed as the Board finds that additional VA examinations are required.

The Board has remanded the cases for further evaluation due to inconsistencies in the reported knee range of motion and the need for a thorough VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inconsistencies in medical records and the need for additional opinions regarding his bilateral knee disorders, acquired psychiatric disability, and hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The right knee sprain and right ankle sprain conditions are rated at the lowest possible levels, with no higher ratings granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for higher disability ratings for right knee chronic strain with arthritis and lumbosacral strain with spinal stenosis due to issues regarding the competence of the VA examiner who conducted the December 2022 VA knee and back examinations.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, drug abuse disorder secondary to service-connected left knee and back conditions, and chronic pain disorder are all granted as service connected.,Service connection for the respiratory condition is established due to exposure during Southwest Asia service. Service connection for the drug abuse disorder and chronic pain disorder is established based on direct service connection.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee PFPS, but granted service connection for a right shoulder disability. The denial is based on the Veteran's right knee symptoms not meeting the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are granted. The left knee disability, right knee disability (as secondary to the left knee), tinnitus, and lumbar spine disability are all found to be related to his military service. However, hypertension is remanded as a VA examination is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disability because no new and material evidence was received to link his current condition to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right knee and shoulder conditions due to inconsistencies in range of motion findings and need for clarification regarding certain medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional VA examinations to determine if her current right knee, left knee, right hip, left hip, and neck disorders are related to her active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and reduction of his rating are being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence since the February 2020 Statement of Case.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board has determined that additional development is required, including VA examinations and a review of her medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities led to obesity and subsequently obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Board has granted the claim for service connection of OSA as secondary to his service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including hypertension, PTSD with cognitive disorder, sinusitis, knee disorders, allergic rhinitis, cerebral infarction residuals secondary to moyamoya disease, and right upper extremity disabilities. The Board has determined that additional development is needed for these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right knee arthritis and instability due to incomplete medical opinions. The Veteran is also being asked to provide information about the qualifications of the November 2022 VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding his left knee disability and TDIU claims. The Board will not make a decision on these issues until the requested information has been obtained.

The Board denied an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for ligamentous strain, right knee from March 30, 2012.