Knee Board decisions

The Board remands the issues of service connection for left knee strain, right knee strain, and tinnitus as they are inextricably intertwined with the character of discharge issue.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's right and left foot disabilities from August 6, 2024, but denied initial ratings in excess of 10 percent prior to that date. The claims for service connection for hypothyroidism, tinnitus, and knee disabilities were remanded.

The Board granted service connection for a right hip sprain and initial disability ratings of 40 percent for right shoulder degenerative joint disease, 40 percent for right elbow epicondylitis, 20 percent for left knee degenerative joint disease, and 20 percent for right ankle degenerative disc disease.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a left ankle disorder and a left knee disorder as further development is needed.

The Veteran was granted a 10 percent disability rating for right knee subluxation effective July 27, 2023, and TDIU. An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the same condition was denied.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for voiding dysfunction.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher initial rating for other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder, service connection for peripheral neuropathy, a skin disorder of the genital region, and a right knee disability. The claim for sleep apnea was remanded.

The Board granted special monthly compensation at the rate authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) and remanded claims for SMC based on housebound status and an allowance for an automobile or other conveyance and/or adaptive equipment.

The Board granted service connection for a left knee disability, right knee disability, and left shoulder disability, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU from February 13, 2014, to July 2, 2023, due to the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a total disability based on individual unemployability, special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance, SMC based on housebound status, and service connection for vertigo.

The Board remands the claims for increased ratings and additional VA examinations to address the effects of medication on symptoms and ensure thorough evaluation.

The Board granted service connection for right knee and leg, left knee and leg, and low back disabilities based on the evidence showing a direct relationship to the Veteran's military service.

The Board granted a 20 percent disability rating for left knee instability from February 26, 2015, but denied an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for left knee enthesopathy and entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance beginning November 19, 2015.

The Board granted separate 10 percent disability ratings for right knee limitation of extension and flexion prior to May 26, 2010.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's right knee disability and also denied a finding of total disability based on individual unemployability due to this disability.

The Board remands the case for further development, specifically to obtain a retrospective opinion addressing the severity of the Veteran's left knee injury residuals with traumatic arthritis.

The Board granted service connection for a neck disorder and dismissed the appeal for a right ankle disorder, while denying increased ratings for left ankle sprain, cervicogenic headaches, and other conditions.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for right ankle, left knee, and right knee disabilities as further development of the record is needed to address the adequacy of the medical opinions provided.