Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's left and right knee chondromalacia patella and patella alta disabilities are rated at 10 percent each, resulting in a combined rating of 20 percent. The Board denied increased ratings for these conditions.,The Veteran was granted TDIU from July 28, 2015 to October 26, 2016 based on his bilateral knee disabilities and major depressive disorder.

The Board has decided that a new examination is needed to assess the severity of the Veteran's left knee scars, as previous examinations did not provide sufficient information.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development, including a VA medical opinion to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee disorders.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for a left shoulder condition, right knee condition, and sleep apnea. The AOJ is instructed to verify any additional periods of active duty service and obtain all available service treatment records, particularly those from the Veteran’s deployment in Afghanistan. An examination is also required to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis and degenerative arthritis of the spine, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are linked to her in-service service based on continuity of symptoms.

The Veteran's left hip disability was not incurred in or due to his time in service, and is denied.,PTSD does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent. The claim is denied.,Back disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to March 5, 2019 or 20 percent thereafter from that date. The claim is denied.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy was not rated higher than 10 percent prior to March 5, 2019 and granted a rating of 20 percent thereafter. The claim is partially granted.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy was not rated higher than 10 percent prior to March 5, 2019 and granted a rating of 20 percent thereafter. The claim is partially granted.,GERD did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. The claim is denied.,Left knee disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. The claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for cervical DDD and a higher rating for left knee arthritis. Additional development is required, including examinations to assess functional loss during flares and after repetitive use.

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 Veteran's left knee disability is granted service connection. For the period since January 9, 2018, a higher rating of 60 percent for his lumbar spine disability is granted and a separate rating of 10 percent for a neurological abnormality affecting the left lower extremity associated with the lumbar spine disability is granted. A TDIU is granted from this date onwards.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine spondylolisthesis is granted at a 40% evaluation, effective from the date of the decision. The claims for higher evaluations of left and right knee DJD are denied. Service connection for a left hip disorder and SMC based on aid and attendance prior to February 27, 2020 are remanded.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including shoulder and knee conditions, gout, vertigo, sleep apnea, and shrapnel wounds. The case is being remanded to obtain necessary medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and shell fragment wound scars of the right arm, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service or post-service treatment. The Veteran's current disabilities are not considered related to his military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, but his hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and other conditions are denied. The Board has remanded for further review of the remaining issues.

The Veteran's right knee acquired genu varum deformity and traumatic arthritis and instability were evaluated, with the right knee acquired genu varum deformity receiving a 30% evaluation from October 23, 2012 to October 22, 2013. On and after October 23, 2013, his right knee traumatic arthritis and instability was rated at 10%. The Veteran's right knee disabilities were denied for higher evaluations.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome (PFS) as the Veteran's symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability but denied service connection for sinusitis.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis and patellar spurring of the right knee, as well as obstructive sleep apnea, both claimed as secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, peripheral neuropathy of upper extremities associated with degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine, and peripheral neuropathy of lower extremities associated with degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine due to inadequate VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for Factor V Leiden mutation and left knee disability, but granted service connection for residuals of status post left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. The decision also noted that the Veteran's right knee condition did not cause her left knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal for various initial disability ratings related to his service-connected conditions has been dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of all issues on appeal.