Knee Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle and right knee disabilities, finding that the conditions were aggravated by a service-connected right ankle disability. The decision also reopened claims for these disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of both the left and right knees, finding that the Veteran's knee pain is related to his military service.

The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral syndrome and surgical scar are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of flexion limited to 30 degrees even with flare-ups or repetitive use. The claim for a higher evaluation is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities due to insufficient examination records. The AOJ must schedule a new examination and readjudicate the claims after considering all evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for a rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches prior to February 8, 2017, an initial compensable evaluation for laparoscopy scars, and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for whether new and material evidence exists to reopen her previously denied claims for service connection for left ovary removal, ovary cyst removal, and cervical dysplasia have also been dismissed.,The Board has remanded the issues regarding service connection for a left knee disability (secondary to lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes) and a right knee disability (secondary to lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes).,The Veteran's claim for service connection for fibromyalgia is also being remanded.

The claims for service connection for hypertension, right knee disability, left knee disability, right foot disability, left foot disability, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability have been reopened.,The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has also been reopened.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability, and the right knee disability claim is remanded for additional development.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his respiratory failure was not caused by or related to his active duty service, nor were his service-connected disabilities a contributing factor.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including colon cancer, degenerative joint diseases of multiple body parts, and a respiratory disability. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed due to the need for additional medical records and an opinion regarding potential asbestos exposure.

The Board has dismissed all the veteran's appeals for various disabilities, including cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis with heel spurs and metatarsalgia, posterior thigh muscle (left thigh disability), hypertension, inguinal hernia, kidney stones, and generalized anxiety disorder. The appeals were withdrawn by the veteran's representative on September 21, 2020.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records, updated work history information, and tax returns. A new VA examination is also required.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for bilateral foot residuals from a cold weather injury, neck and back disability (ankylosing spondylitis), and left knee disability as secondary to service-connected neck and back disabilities. The decision is based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 20% since December 16, 2019.,The Veteran's right total knee arthroplasty alone does not meet the criteria for TDIU prior to February 26, 2014.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected left knee chondromalacia and internal derangement disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent for the chondromalacia or 10 percent for the internal derangement. A separate 20 percent rating was granted for lateral instability.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, and no service connection was granted or denied.

The Veteran's right ankle osteoarthritis is granted service connection. The issues regarding her left hip and left knee conditions are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back disability, right knee disability, and asthma due to inadequate or incomplete VA examinations. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder, knee, and hip disabilities are not service-connected as they are less likely than not related to his active duty.,His low back disability is also denied as it did not manifest during service or within one year of separation.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder is granted an initial rating of 40 percent since October 7, 1997. The right knee meniscus disorder is also granted an initial rating of 20 percent since October 7, 1997. However, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating for limitation of right knee extension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right knee disabilities due to insufficient examination and development of his history of flare-ups.