Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examinations in determining an increased rating for left knee degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's claim is now pending again with instructions to obtain a new examination that adequately addresses flare-ups and repeated use over time.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for right knee instability and arthritis with painful motion is being remanded due to the need for updated VA medical records and a new examination. The effective date is not specified.

The Board denied service connection for left knee and right shoulder disabilities, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that caused the current conditions.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left knee has not manifested in flexion limited to 45 degrees or extension limited to 10 degrees, even considering functional impairment due to factors such as pain. The highest rating available is 10 percent.,The Veteran's left foot hallux rigidus, hallux valgus, and hammer toes status post bunionectomy with screw fixation have been assigned a 10 percent rating, which is the maximum schedular rating authorized under the applicable criteria. The Veteran's hammer toes do not affect all toes.,The Veteran's left foot spurring and arthritis corresponds to foot injury of no more than moderate severity. A separate rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for left foot spurring and arthritis is granted.,The Veteran's right foot hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, and hammer toes have been assigned a 10 percent rating, which is the maximum schedular rating authorized under the applicable criteria. The Veteran's hammer toes do not affect all toes.,The Veteran's right foot spurring and arthritis corresponds to foot injury of no more than moderate severity. A separate rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for right foot spurring and arthritis is granted.,The reconstruction of the left ankle manifests in moderate, but not marked, limitation of motion, and it does not manifest in limitation of dorsiflexion to 5 degrees or less or plantar flexion to 10 degrees plantar flexion or less. The highest rating available is 10 percent.,The Veteran does not have a current right ear disability for VA purposes.,Diabetes mellitus, type II, was not shown in service or within one year after discharge from service and is not otherwise associated with service. Therefore, the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, is denied.,A heart disability was not shown in service or within one year after discharge from service and is not otherwise associated with service. Therefore, the claim of service connection for a heart disability, claimed as residuals of a heart attack, is denied.,Hypertension was not shown in service or within one year after discharge from service and is not otherwise associated with service. Therefore, the claim of service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and sleep apnea due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a cervical spine disability, bilateral flatfoot, and bilateral knee disabilities due to incomplete or inadequate examination reports.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to a lack of service treatment records and personnel records. The Veteran is advised to provide any additional information needed for the search.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip, right hip, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The examiner is requested to provide addendum opinions addressing the nature and etiology of these disabilities in relation to service.

The Veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation are being remanded due to the lack of a VA examination addressing her eligibility for these benefits. The examiner is requested to determine if her service-connected disabilities alone preclude her from ambulating without an aid.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right knee disability before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's bunions and right knee disability were denied as service connection was not established, and the ratings for the right knee disability prior to March 30, 2021 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter were also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the pre-existing left knee disability and its aggravation by periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA). The Veteran's right knee disability is also considered in determining service connection.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed degenerative joint disease of the left and right knees are proximately due to or aggravated by medications taken to treat her service-connected PTSD.,Entitlement to service connection for a reproductive disorder, specifically PCOS and partial hysterectomy, is remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding its relationship to in-service use of Depo Provera.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities are rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that these conditions do not render him unemployable or in need of SMC based on regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for service-connected disabilities prior to September 30, 2019 was denied as his service-connected conditions did not render him unemployable.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to inadequate examination and new regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for cardiomegaly. The claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, a left thumb contusion, and a right knee disability are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder, finding that the pre-existing condition did not worsen during service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent for arthritis and instability, with no higher ratings granted due to lack of additional range of motion limitations.

The Board has granted restoration of service connection for left knee instability and a left knee scar, finding that the severance was improper due to CUE.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee chondromalacia remains pending.