Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is granted, while claims for allergic rhinitis, right eye condition, acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, back injury, left knee disability, and hypertension are denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, with limitation of flexion limited to at worst 70 degrees. The left knee disability is also rated at 10 percent, with painful motion during flexion and extension.,Throughout the entire period on appeal, the criteria are met for a noncompensable rating for left knee disability with limitation of flexion.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected generalized arthralgias in multiple joints is being remanded due to insufficient examination data and the need for clarification on multi-joint disability assessment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right shoulder disability, and thus cannot establish service connection for this condition.,Similarly, the Board found no evidence of a current right knee disability to support service connection. The Veteran's symptoms were noted in service but did not persist post-service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right knee disability, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, bilateral shoulder and arm disabilities, bilateral hand disabilities, and residuals of a head injury. The remand requires an addendum opinion to address whether any diagnosed pre-existing right knee disability was aggravated by service or had its onset during service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder, finding that there is no evidence of such a condition during or within one year after his military service. The Board also found no link between any current right knee disorder and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development and review of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her right knee disabilities due to scheduling issues and a need for additional medical examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, but the claim is remanded for further development regarding a left knee disability.

The Veteran's left knee DJD status post TKA is granted a 60 percent rating from January 1, 2018.,The Veteran is also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The appeal for service connection for right median sensorimotor neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, left and right shin splints, cataracts, deviated septum, depression, a right elbow disorder, and a heart disorder has been dismissed.,The claim for service connection for hypertension (secondary to PTSD) has been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The appeal is granted in part.,The claim for service connection for sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD) has been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The appeal is granted in part.,The claims for service connection for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis have been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The appeals are granted in part.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability was reopened and granted. The claims for increased ratings for right and left knee PFPS were dismissed, and the Veteran's PTSD rating was restored to 100% effective September 1, 2016. The issue of an earlier effective date for TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD with Persistent Depressive Disorder was denied an increased rating from June 4, 2015 to July 12, 2022.,The Veteran's PTSD with Persistent Depressive Disorder was denied an increased rating from July 12, 2022 forward.,The Veteran's Lumbosacral Strain with Degenerative Arthritis, Spondylosis, and Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) was denied an increased rating from December 28, 2016 to September 9, 2022.,The Veteran's Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy was denied an increased rating from September 9, 2022 forward.,The Veteran's Right Knee Meniscus Tear/Repair and Residual Osteoarthritis was denied an increased rating from November 1, 2013 to June 27, 2022.,The Veteran's Left Knee Meniscus Tear/Repair and Residual Osteoarthritis was denied an increased rating from November 1, 2013 forward.,The Veteran's Left Knee Symptomatic Residuals of Semilunar Cartilage Removal was denied an increased rating from September 9, 2022 forward.

The Board has granted service connection for a left hip disability, but denied service connection for thoracolumbar spine, cervical spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The decision also remanded the issue of service connection for a right hip disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee condition as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, finding that the evidence supports a nexus between the two conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar spine, right shoulder, left shoulder, right foot, and left foot conditions. The remaining issues of service connection for right hip, left hip, right knee, and left knee conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including limitation of extension and instability, is now rated at 10 percent for the period prior to May 13, 2022, and at 30 percent thereafter. The dislocated semilunar cartilage condition is also rated at 20 percent effective from May 13, 2022.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for residuals of closed fifth metatarsal fracture of the left foot, service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to PTSD with severe alcohol use disorder, service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, and service connection for a right knee disorder are all remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the Veteran's current need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs regular assistance with activities of daily living, including dressing, feeding, and attending to personal hygiene.

The Board has found that the matter must be remanded again for substantial compliance with the previous remand. The Veteran's VA Mountain Home Health Care records from November 2003 to October 2017 are missing, and an addendum medical opinion is needed regarding the right shoulder disorder.