Knee Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right leg condition, to include residuals of a lipoma, radiculopathy, and right knee disability. The claim for TDIU was remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left knee disability prior to March 5, 2018 was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,A separate rating of 20 percent was granted for frequent episodes of locking and effusion of the left knee. The ankylosis from February 23, 2018 through March 4, 2018 is considered part of the existing 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disorder has been reopened and granted.,An increased rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected left knee arthritis is denied.,Service connection for a spine disorder, to include as secondary to the service-connected left knee disability, is denied.,Service connection for a left hip disorder, to include as secondary to the service-connected left knee disability, is denied.,Service connection for a right knee disorder, to include as secondary to the service-connected left knee disability, is denied.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder. The ratings for right and left knee disabilities were denied, but the Veteran's TDIU prior to November 9, 2015 was granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right forearm fracture residuals, left knee disorder, and right ankle disorder. The case is remanded to determine if service connection can be established for these conditions.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the September 2018 remand directives and thus, a remand for corrective action is required. The Veteran's right knee condition needs to be evaluated again due to increased severity since his last VA examination in August 2019.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including instability, degenerative joint disease with limitation of motion in flexion, and meniscus condition with locking and swelling, was granted a rating of 30 percent from September 15, 2015. The decision also noted that the Veteran had distinct periods where different ratings applied based on his specific knee conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has found that the Veteran's right knee disability requires further development due to inadequate examination and remands for an additional VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, left knee, right knee, and left ankle disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,Service records do not show any treatment or diagnoses related to the claimed disabilities. The Veteran's assertions about his military activities causing his current symptoms have been found insufficient by VA examiners.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee degenerative joint disease (DJD) is denied as the evidence does not support a rating greater than 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle, low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examination and incomplete STRs. The RO is instructed to attempt to obtain missing STRs from all periods of active duty through official sources and potential repositories. They are also asked to provide the Veteran with another opportunity to authorize release of outstanding private treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration. The issues include a request for higher ratings for various knee conditions, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected back disability, bilateral hip disabilities, and bilateral knee disabilities due to issues with functional loss during flare-ups and lack of adequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is determined to be secondary to her service-connected endometriosis with subsequent vaginal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and perineorrhaphy, also including osteopenia.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee condition and bilateral foot condition due to conflicting medical opinions. An addendum opinion is needed from the examiner who conducted the October 2019 VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, vision loss, bilateral knee disabilities, and lumbar spine disability. The conditions are considered to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is granted as secondary to his cervical spine disability. The Veteran's right hip, knee, and ankle disabilities are all granted with specific ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee instability and limitation of motion, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The remand is necessary because the previous VA examinations did not comply with the requirements set forth in the December 2017 Board decision.