Knee Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a bowel condition, and a bladder condition. The Board found no evidence of a current disability for these conditions and concluded that any relationship to service is not supported by the medical evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of functional impairment. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if any service-connected disability results in loss of use of both lower extremities, one lower extremity and one upper extremity, or residuals affecting balance and propulsion.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, thoracic strain, right upper extremity radiculopathy, right knee degenerative arthritis and chondromalacia patella, left knee degenerative arthritis and chondromalacia patella, left ankle ganglion cyst and ruptured saphenous vein, and left great toe matrixectomy with a left medial foot scar. The Board found that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for migraine headaches, right knee condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left elbow, hand, and knee conditions related to gout have been granted. The claim for a left hip condition has been denied due to lack of current disability evidence. Service connection for the left shoulder condition is also denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of extension and flexion, instability, and meniscus condition, is now rated at 20 percent effective March 7, 2020.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of extension and flexion, instability, and meniscus condition, is now rated at 20 percent effective March 7, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee instability is granted, with a 30 percent rating. The claims for increased ratings for right knee osteoarthritis (flexion) and left hip strain, osteoarthritis and bursitis based on painful motion are denied. The claim for an increased rating for right ankle osteoarthritis is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis is denied.,Service connection has been granted for chronic right ankle sprain, chronic coughing, and cervical spine condition. Service connection for chronic shortness of breath, left knee condition, and right knee condition are also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for a left knee condition, migraines, and rhinitis were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under VA regulations.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of tinnitus, anxiety disorder, left hamstring tear, bilateral hearing loss, left knee condition, and lumbar spine condition due to improper concurrent election.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's right leg/knee condition is related to service, including a preexisting condition. The Veteran provided testimony and new medical records that may be relevant.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant, through his authorized representative, requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Veteran's combined disabilities, including her service-connected conditions, prevented her from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment since February 14, 2011. Effective January 18, 2018, the VA granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left-hand disability has been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hypertension has also been denied due to the lack of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or requiring continuous medication.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability and a lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's granulomatosis disease is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition during or proximate to the pendency of the claim.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar 1 disorder, panic disorder, and general anxiety disorder, is granted due to a positive nexus established by his private physician's opinion.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The Board found the Veteran had a current hearing loss disability, PTSD, and right knee disability but remanded for further examination to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 40 percent for limitation of extension, effective December 18, 2025. The Veteran also received separate ratings for instability and dislocation of semilunar cartilage.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of his acquired psychiatric disorder and left knee disability was denied. The earliest effective dates granted were October 31, 2018 for the psychiatric disorder and October 31, 2019 for the left knee disability.