Knee Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and an initial compensable rating for TBI, as new evidence was received. The effective date for service connection for TBI is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for sinusitis, left knee disability, and neck disability due to the Veteran's failure to attend scheduled VA examinations. The reflux claim is not addressed as it does not involve service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee degenerative arthritis based on limitation of motion was denied. A separate 20 percent rating for a right knee meniscus tear is granted. The claims for service connection for left hip condition and right foot gout are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to address the severity of the Veteran's right hip and knee disabilities, including any ameliorative effects of medication.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and his claim for a higher rating for left knee instability is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a right knee disability was dismissed as the request to file an appeal was not timely.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and oligoarticular osteoarthritis due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities on a direct basis, finding that these conditions began during active service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including a meniscal tear and patellofemoral pain syndrome, was incurred during his active service. The Board found that the evidence supported this conclusion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and potential secondary service connection theories.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, tendinitis, and strain, status post arthroscopy with meniscal tear and degenerative arthritis (limitation of flexion), and awarded an initial compensable rating for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, tendinitis, and strain, status post arthroscopy with meniscal tear and degenerative arthritis (limitation of extension).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, left knee condition, back condition, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, have rendered her unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore, service connection is denied. The claims for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), obstructive sleep apnea, and left knee strain are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine and left knee disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions based on missing service treatment records.

The Board has found that the VA medical opinion provided by the examiner is inadequate for secondary service connection claims and thus remanded to obtain a new opinion.

The Board has found that the VA medical opinion provided by the examiner is inadequate for secondary service connection claims and thus remanded to obtain a new opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to duty-to-assist errors, toxic exposure development needs, and examination scheduling issues.

The Board dismissed the appeal for increased ratings and service connection claims due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is granted service connection, and he receives a 10% rating for his right and left knee disabilities based on limitation of motion. Separate 20% ratings are assigned for instability in both knees.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted. His left knee, right knee, hypertension, erectile dysfunction (secondary to back disability), left lower extremity sciatic nerve pain, and right lower extremity sciatic nerve pain are all found to be related to his military service.