Knee Board decisions

The veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was granted as secondary to their service-connected PTSD. The claim for a right knee condition was remanded for further review.

The veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted. Claims for bilateral foot disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability were denied. Claims for bilateral hearing loss disability, left wrist disability, right wrist disability, and sleep apnea were remanded.

Service connection for bilateral shin splints is denied. The claims for higher disability ratings for chronic right hip strain and chronic right knee strain are remanded for further evaluation.

The appeal to readjudicate the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, and xerostomia (dry mouth) is granted. Other claims are denied or remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis in the left knee and left shoulder due to new and relevant evidence. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated.

The Board remanded the case to obtain a more adequate examination of the veteran's right knee disability. The veteran contends that his pain and functional loss warrant a higher rating.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of left and right knee joint osteoarthritis with tendonitis. The Board found that the VA examiner's opinion was inadequate and required a new addendum opinion.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's right ankle and right knee but remanded the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied compensable ratings for the veteran's right knee surgical scars and scar residual status post left foot fasciitis release.

The Board remanded all claims for service connection, including gastrointestinal disorder, asthma, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left upper extremity radiculopathy secondary to cervical DDD, left wrist condition with pain, and left knee osteoarthritis. The Veteran will be afforded new VA examinations or medical opinions.

The Board denied all claims. The veteran's knee conditions did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, and earlier effective dates for the depressive disorder and TDIU were not warranted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher disability ratings for chronic sinusitis and left knee osteochondral loose body.

The appeal for service connection of a right knee disability has been remanded. The Board needs more evidence to decide the claim.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of left and right knee strains. The Board found that a VA examination opinion was inadequate and ordered an addendum opinion to determine the cause of the veteran's bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and ratings for various conditions, including sleep apnea, valvular heart disease, left knee quadriceps tendonitis, hiatal hernia with GERD, right upper extremity acquired psychogenic pain disorder, and SMC based on Aid and Attendance/housebound criteria. The AOJ is required to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations and obtain medical opinions regarding these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's LEFT knee chondromalacia and DJD, LEFT knee instability, and femoral nerve radiculopathy. The issues include determining appropriate disability ratings and service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right knee disability was denied, but the Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess whether he developed a meniscal condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee osteoarthritis and tinnitus, made it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from August 5, 2011. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) during this period.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 60 percent or higher for chronic residuals of prosthetic replacement of the right knee joint is granted as of July 1, 2020. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.