Knee Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left elbow disability as aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability. The increased rating claim for the left knee disability is remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeals for various disability ratings and TDIU claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sinusitis is granted, but has remanded other issues due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus do not meet the criteria for service connection as they are not diagnosed disabilities.,The Veteran's right knee condition is not related to his military service.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU prior to March 3, 2018. The Board has also remanded the issue of entitlement to a TDIU from March 3, 2018 for referral to VA's Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition is granted a 30 percent rating.,The Veteran's left knee condition is granted a 60 percent rating prior to April 20, 2023. A higher rating of in excess of 60 percent from that date is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating for individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, despite meeting the schedular criteria for TDIU.

The Board has determined that remand is necessary for further development in the cases of bilateral hearing loss, left knee condition, right knee condition, and laceration of tongue.

The Board has granted service connection for low back strain, right knee strain, and left knee strain, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service injuries during combat operations.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for left knee arthritis is denied. A separate 20 percent disability rating is granted for the symptomatic left knee meniscal condition. The case is remanded for further development regarding TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims of increased ratings for knee disabilities and service connection for bilateral knee instability due to their interrelated nature.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee conditions, but has remanded the claims for respiratory condition, acquired psychiatric condition, headaches, and bladder condition due to lack of VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to procedural issues, lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives, and the need for new examinations. The claims are not currently before the Board for adjudication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, back disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder is denied. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome with tendonitis and meniscal tear prior to February 2, 2018 was denied. From February 2, 2018 onwards, the claim for a higher rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome with tendonitis status post arthroscopy was also denied.

The Veteran's arthritis, status post fracture proximal phalanx of the right ring finger, results in pain, weakness and limitation of motion. He is currently receiving the maximum schedular rating.,Neurological residuals of status post fracture of the proximal phalanx of the right ring finger have been manifested by no more than mild incomplete paralysis of the median nerve.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a right knee disability and left knee disability, but denied reopening of the claim for service connection for a back disability. The case is REMANDED to obtain a new VA examination for the right knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for left knee disability from March 1, 2018 is denied. A separate 20% disability rating for left knee lateral instability is granted.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU on and after August 1, 2022, due to his service-connected disabilities including left knee total replacement, major depressive disorder, right and left hip strains, tinnitus, and other related conditions. The decision is based on the combined disability rating of 90 percent.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated at 60 percent since November 1, 2015. The Board has ordered remand for further evaluation of the issues related to his right knee disability.