Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's ratings for left and right knee degenerative joint disease have been granted, with separate 10% evaluations for instability. The effective date is not specified as the issue was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and correctly decide the Veteran's claims for service connection, including a new examination for his left lateral collateral ligament sprain. The issues of service connection have also been remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, right foot, left foot, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations. The case is returned to the Board for further action.

The Veteran's left knee brace caused wear and tear to his clothing in 2014, warranting a clothing allowance for that year.

The Veteran's vertigo is granted as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. The initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids prior to April 20, 2019 has been granted. A 10 percent rating is assigned from April 20, 2019 onwards.,An effective date of January 28, 2014, is granted for the 40 percent disability rating for fibromyalgia. The Veteran's right knee disability and sinusitis are denied initial ratings in excess of their current ratings.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disorder is remanded for a new VA examination to determine its etiology, considering his testimony from the January 2022 Board hearing.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including osteoarthritis with meniscal and anterior cruciate ligament tear, instability, and locking, is now rated at a separate 20 percent for the locking condition effective April 20, 2015.

The Veteran's right ankle, right knee, left knee, and right shoulder disabilities have been granted initial evaluations of 10 percent each. The Veteran's left shoulder disability has also been granted a 20 percent evaluation.,Service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome was remanded, while service connection for insomnia related to TBI was denied.

The Veteran's low back condition and various knee conditions have been granted service connection. The left knee rating has been restored to 20%, separate ratings for ankylosis and instability have been granted, and a higher rating for the meniscal condition prior to December 18, 2019 has been granted. However, a higher rating for the left knee status post ACL repair from December 18, 2019 is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for heart disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, OSA, and diabetes mellitus due to incomplete VA treatment records and lack of adequate medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left knee conditions, including strain and instability with LCL laxity, are related to his active service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, as well as potential reconsideration of the increased rating claim and TDIU determination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including blurry vision in his right eye, a left elbow scar, IBS, GERD, bilateral knee and arm conditions, joint and muscle condition, paresthesia (claimed as neuropathy), and balance issues. The claims are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability is remanded due to the lack of compliance with the June 2022 Board Remand directives regarding an orthopedic examination.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for left knee disorder, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and hypertension. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to incomplete medical opinions and missing records. The Veteran's low back and left knee disabilities are being reviewed again.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to July 17, 2018 due to a lack of evidence showing that her service-connected disabilities alone rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions. The claims will be reviewed again with additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, back disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims were not supported by medical evidence linking his current conditions to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of sleep apnea, right elbow condition, left wrist condition, right knee condition, and lower back injury due to the Veteran's death.