Knee Board decisions

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims for tinnitus and right knee disability. The decision on tinnitus is pending as it requires clarification of whether the Veteran was in active duty training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty training (INACDUTRA). The right knee disability claim is also pending due to a need for an addendum opinion addressing aggravation by service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of flexion and instability, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board denied a higher rating for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine, left knee, sinusitis, and gastroenteritis disabilities due to lack of in-service treatment records and consideration of lay statements. Additional examinations are needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional VA medical opinions are needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee strain, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and obstructive sleep apnea. The issues have been remanded to obtain these opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a right knee disability due to inadequate opinions in the previous VA medical opinion, and also because the Regional Office (RO) has not yet issued an SOC for the 38 U.S.C. § 1151 claims.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of appendicitis, right knee disorder, and right-hand disorder have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure. The claim for a right common iliac artery aneurysm has also been remanded.,Service connection was not granted for the Veteran's claimed disabilities due to lack of medical evidence supporting their onset in service or a relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee strain and osteoarthritis, left ankle degenerative arthritis, and right knee osteoarthritis. The conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequacies in previous medical opinions and a need for an addendum opinion regarding all left knee diagnoses during the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate VA opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, bilateral knee, and left hip disabilities. The claims will be reviewed with additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis and replacement are granted with specific ratings, with the arthritis receiving a higher rating prior to February 2, 2022, and the replacement receiving a minimum rating since August 1, 2022.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right knee disability, left knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, tinnitus, and major depressive disorder. The cases are now remanded for further development as specified.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for her service-connected left and right knee conditions is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a VA examination during her active-duty period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his Gulf War illness, including for left and right lower extremity neuropathy, a right knee disability, a left knee disability, headaches, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board found that the discontinuance of a 100% rating for the Veteran's left knee disability was proper and effective December 1, 2018. The Veteran is now rated at 60% for chronic residuals.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development to determine appropriate ratings and service connection for his claimed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis status post patellar tendon rupture surgical repair, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service injuries and continuous since separation from service.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee arthritis and right tibia fracture residuals. His right knee degenerative arthritis with residuals of right tibia fracture and meniscal tear are remanded for further review.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for a separate rating for right knee torn lateral meniscus prior to March 8, 2016 and remanded the issues of entitlement to higher ratings for right knee flexion and extension.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including trauma/stressor-related disorder and major depressive disorder, are granted as service-connected. From October 15, 2014, the Veteran is granted a 20 percent rating for his meniscal tear and degenerative joint disease of the right knee. The Veteran is also granted a 20 percent rating from October 15, 2014 to February 13, 2023, for limitation of extension of the right knee. A rating greater than 20 percent for limitation of extension of the right knee is denied starting February 14, 2023. The Veteran's limitation of flexion of the right hip is granted a 10 percent rating from October 15, 2014.

The Veteran's disability rating for his right knee instability associated with degenerative joint disorder with meniscus tear was improperly reduced from 10% to 0%, and the rating is restored. The Board also found that a higher disability rating for this condition is warranted, and the case is remanded for further examination.