Knee Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability and a left knee disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of continuity of symptomatology or evidence of in-service incurrence.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral knee disability, including his pain. The issues of entitlement to initial compensable ratings for left and right knee tendonitis with Osgood-Schlatter disease are being remanded.

The Veteran's right knee disability is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's left knee disability (due to secondary aggravation of the right knee) is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder to include arthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and review of new evidence.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent for painful and limited motion. A separate rating of 10 percent for symptomatic residuals of right knee semilunar cartilage removal with a feeling of instability has been granted.

The Board denied service connection for right elbow and right knee disabilities as the evidence does not show that these conditions began during service or are related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disability is granted.,The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of service connection for a right knee disability is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his left knee instability and arthritis have been denied as the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to outstanding SSA records and a need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of higher rating for PTSD, service connection for hearing loss, heart condition, sinusitis, left ankle and knee conditions, scar of right eyebrow, and tinnitus. The RO is directed to address these issues.

The Veteran's right knee medial meniscus tear is rated at 20 percent, but not higher. The rating was granted based on the March 2017 VA examination findings of frequent episodes of joint locking, pain, and effusion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left knee condition, and right knee condition due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's increased rating for his left knee disability is denied as the evidence does not show functional limitation beyond what was shown on clinical testing and no instability has been found.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left knee disorder, right knee disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and residuals of stroke. The issues are related to determining whether these conditions are linked to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right knee conditions have been rated at the lowest possible level (10%) due to limited range of motion, with no additional functional loss or instability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for sleep apnea and an increased rating for left knee residuals prior to March 1, 2017.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disorder and remanded the issues of service connection for left knee instability and a rating greater than 20 percent for low back disorder.

The Veteran is granted total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to March 2, 2011 and from June 11, 2013. TDIU is denied for the period from March 2, 2011 to June 10, 2013.

The Board has remanded three issues related to the Veteran's right knee disability, including rating claims for instability and limitation of extension. The AOJ must consider all evidence of record in readjudicating these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to insufficient evidence in some cases, including lack of a proper VA examination.