Knee Board decisions

The Board has restored a 60% rating for the Veteran's service-connected right knee ankylosis from April 1, 2010 to April 10, 2019. From April 11, 2019 onwards, the Veteran already had this rating and it is the maximum allowed.

The Veteran's right knee disabilities, including post-traumatic degenerative joint disease and residual decreased sensation of the right knee/calf, are currently rated at 30 percent. The appeals for increased ratings have been denied as his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his left knee meniscal tear has been granted. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for low back and neck disorders due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative changes, right knee was denied in April 2002. The Board has now remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus and remanded the issues of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and left knee disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD and right knee disabilities have been granted initial ratings of 30% and 40%, respectively, effective May 15, 2015. A separate rating of 50% for PTSD has also been granted, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the remaining issues due to incomplete records.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, a rating in excess of 30 percent for tinea versicolor on the shoulder, upper back, and chest, a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain with degenerative joint disease, status post ACL reconstruction with hardware, and an initial compensable rating for left knee scar are now pending.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left and right knee disabilities, but denied a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee condition and right foot bunion due to lack of recent VA examinations. The Veteran may have been homeless or in an emergency shelter, which prevented him from attending the scheduled exams.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for various acquired psychiatric, cardiac, erectile dysfunction, thyroid, sleep apnea, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, and foot disorders was denied. The Board found no current disabilities in the record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of one automobile or other conveyance and/or automobile adaptive equipment due to issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including right knee disability, lumbosacral radiculitis, and bilateral high frequency sensorineural hearing loss. The decision is pending further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right upper extremity disability, initial compensable rating for a right hip disability based on limitation of flexion, and initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for right knee strain. The claim for an initial rating of 20 percent for a low back disability prior to August 29, 2017, was granted; however, the claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for a low back disability from August 29, 2017, was denied.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left hip condition, right knee condition, and left knee condition. The lumbosacral spine degenerative joint disease issue is also being remanded.

The Board dismissed all appeals related to the veteran's claims for various disabilities and benefits, including a rating for surgical scars of the left knee, service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists, SMC based on aid or attendance or housebound status, and TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee condition and hypertension, including as secondary to diabetes mellitus II. The decision on the right knee claim is based on lack of evidence linking the current disability to service or any incident therein. For hypertension, the Board found no in-service incurrence and insufficient nexus between the current disability and service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for arthritis due to trauma of the right knee and status post arthroscopy of the left knee were denied by the Board. The appeals are not about service connection, but rather about the severity of the disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was reopened, and he is now granted service connection.,His hypertension and kidney condition are denied as not related to his active duty service.