Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for initial and separate compensable ratings for left knee strain with a lateral nodule, as well as left knee instability, is granted. The initial rating of 10% has been assigned for the strain condition, while a separate 10% rating is granted for the instability.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder strain, left knee strain, and right ankle strain based on the Veteran's in-service injuries.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back pain and bilateral knee disability, finding that there is insufficient evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to outstanding VA treatment records and verification of claimed stressors.

The Veteran's right knee chondritis of the patella was granted an increased rating to 10 percent, effective April 1, 2008. The claim for service connection for sinusitis was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's right knee replacement and DJD have been granted increased ratings, with the highest available rating of 60% for each condition effective October 1, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's postoperative residuals of internal derangement of the right knee, effective from November 6, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities and sleep apnea are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of ischemic heart disease due to herbicide exposure, but granted service connection for hypertensive heart disease. Other claims were either not addressed or denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, migraine headaches, thoracolumbar spine disability, and other conditions, render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a TDIU from January 12, 2005.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee injury residuals was granted, effective February 10, 2004.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of March 24, 2008 for a 60 percent rating for his right knee disability status-post total knee replacement.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of his claims.

The Board finds that osteoarthritis of the right knee is related to service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease, and grants the Veteran's claim for secondary service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and right knee disability. The low back disability claim was denied as not having had its onset in service or being otherwise related to service. Service connection is also denied for left knee disability and bilateral hip disability.

The Veteran's left knee condition and instability have been rated at 20 percent since April 17, 2014. The Board has granted a higher rating for the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary due to the Veteran's complaints of worsening knee pain and requests for increased ratings. The case is being remanded to schedule a VA examination to assess the current severity of her left and right knee chondromalacia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left knee disorder related to his military service and does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD. The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be etiologically related to his military service.