Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of left and right total knee replacements, as well as an initial rating for right femoral neuropathy, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.,Specifically, the Board determined that the Veteran’s disabilities did not meet or approximate the criteria for a 40 percent rating under DC 5055 due to lack of severe painful motion or weakness in his knees.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated noncompensable prior to June 7, 2021, and 30 percent thereafter. The Board denied a higher rating for the period on appeal prior to June 7, 2021.,For the period from June 7, 2021, the Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 20 percent for lateral instability of the left knee and denied a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error regarding functional limitations.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee instability are rated at 10 percent each, while the service-connected shortness of breath is not yet assigned a rating.,The RO has remanded the issues of increased ratings for the service-connected right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including OSA, dry skin, hypertension, neck disability, right and left upper extremity nerve damage, right long finger disability, right hip disability, left hip disability, erectile dysfunction, right knee disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, right foot plantar fasciitis, and left foot plantar fasciitis. The Board found no evidence of current diagnoses or treatment for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to errors in the previous decisions and remands. The Veteran's representative indicated that his bilateral knee conditions are also secondary to his claimed back disabilities, and he noted current symptoms of each disability at his September 2023 Board hearing.

The Veteran's right ankle condition, left ankle condition, bilateral pes planus, and right knee condition are all granted service connection.,Service connection is also granted for the Veteran's left lower extremity shin splints and right lower extremity shin splints.,However, service connection for a bilateral claw foot disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to deficiencies in the record existing prior to the appealed decision. The Veteran's respiratory condition, bilateral knee conditions, and right shoulder condition are being reviewed again.

The Veteran's claims for additional months of service-connected compensation for various conditions have been denied. The effective dates and payment start dates are legally correct.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left and right knee disorders due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran is required to provide medical records, undergo a VA examination, and have their conditions evaluated.

Effective dates of May 22, 1996 are granted for service connection of left knee limitation of flexion and impairment.,Effective dates of April 14, 1998 are granted for service connection of left hip disability and lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to reconsider the claim of service connection for a right knee disability. The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is granted as secondary to herpes viral infection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, syncope with dizziness, and shingles (herpes zoster). The conditions are all found to have begun during service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The claim for TDIU was granted.

The Veteran's claims for migraine headaches, left leg shin splints, a left knee disorder, hearing loss, and tinnitus have all been denied as there is no evidence of current conditions or service connection.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis resulted in extension limited at worst to 20 degrees, and his right knee instability manifested as an incomplete ligament tear causing persistent instability. The Board granted a disability rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's right knee instability.

The Veteran's left knee has been rated at 30 percent since January 6, 1997 and a maximum of 60 percent effective October 1, 2014 for service-connected residuals of the left knee status-post arthroplasty. The right knee was initially rated at 10 percent in February 2021 and increased to 20 percent thereafter. The Veteran is granted TDIU based on all service-connected disorders from January 6, 1997 until April 9, 1997, and due to major depressive disorder by itself after that date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right knee degenerative arthritis, right tibial stress fracture, residuals of right ACL reconstruction, and right medial meniscectomy with partial lateral meniscectomy are all rated as they currently manifest.