Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for left knee, right knee, and low back disabilities are granted. Additionally, his claim for hypertension due to in-service herbicide exposure is granted under the PACT Act.,Service connection is established for bilateral knee and low back arthritis as they began during active service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized as status post lateral dislocation with arthroscopy and debridement with mild arthritis, was denied increased ratings in excess of 10 percent prior to February 24, 2023, and in excess of 20 percent since then.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee chondromalacia and instability prior to specific dates have been denied by the Board.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease (DJD) as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability due to inadequate development. The case requires an addendum opinion from the examiner who conducted the February 2023 knee examination.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right hip disability, left and right knee disabilities, bipolar disorder, and TDIU. The claims are being returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn, and the appeal is dismissed for all issues except SMC at the housebound rate. The claims for increased ratings and service connection are dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran's attorney. The claim for SMC at the housebound rate is denied as the Veteran does not meet the criteria with his current disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of various knee, hip, and nerve conditions. The reduction in rating for right knee osteoarthritis from 20% to 10% was also found improper.

The Board has ordered the remand of three issues related to the Veteran's TBI, left knee disability, and low back disability. The claims are being returned due to incomplete VA treatment records for Jamaica Plains VA Medical Center and insufficient qualifications of the examiner who conducted the July 2022 examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left leg above-the-knee amputation was caused by VA negligence in providing timely surgical intervention, resulting in sepsis and necessitating the amputation. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, right knee degenerative arthritis, and left knee degenerative arthritis due to inadequate opinions in the VA examinations. The AOJ will seek additional medical records and schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination.

The Veteran's right knee arthroplasty residuals from August 1, 2017 to July 2, 2018 were granted a rating of 60 percent. The appeal for higher ratings beyond this period was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of right knee or right ankle disabilities, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

A 20 percent rating for the degenerative joint disease of the left knee (left knee disability) based on episodes of locking and pain is granted effective October 1, 2008. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating prior to August 30, 2010, remains remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, right knee disability, and lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's conditions are found to be related to her active duty service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative joint disease of the right and left knees have been granted. The claim for an increased evaluation for his umbilical hernia has also been remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence, including a lack of follow-up requests for records from Dr. Raul and VA treatment records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss.,The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a left knee disorder due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right knee disorders. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's right knee disorders are directly related to military service, or if they were caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee, bilateral foot, lumbar spine and/or left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and back disabilities due to inadequate opinions in the March 2023 VA examination.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated at 10 percent for meniscus tear and noncompensable for scarring. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss or other factors.