Knee Board decisions

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of a sleep disorder, degenerative arthritis of the spine, and eczema or atopic dermatitis on the scrotum, knees, and shins with an evaluation of 0 percent from October 8, 2019 due to improper docketing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, OSA, left knee disability, and tinnitus) have rendered him unemployable, leading to a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee strain, thoracolumbar spine strain, and migraines are remanded due to procedural errors in obtaining necessary medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's tinnitus and left knee scar have been rated at the maximum allowed under VA guidelines, but his low back disability remains unresolved.,VA has determined that a compensable rating for the left knee scar is not warranted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability is being remanded due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's tinnitus and left knee scar have been rated at the maximum allowed under VA guidelines, but his low back disability remains unresolved.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically the need for an updated VA examination regarding his bilateral knee conditions.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings and service connection claims. The adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood, left knee strain, right knee strain, carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), lumbar discogenic pain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy were all denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for right knee disability and sinusitis are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors prior to the May 2024 rating decisions. The VA is required to obtain National Guard service records, conduct an adequate VA examination of the right knee, and consider any ameliorating effects of medication in assessing the severity of the Veteran's disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status or the need for regular aid and attendance was denied as there is no evidence of significant disabilities that would require such benefits.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities, and a TDIU is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and left knee conditions, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. As such, he is granted TDIU.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to errors in duty to assist and new evidence received. The issues include alcohol use disorder, lumbar spine disability, left and right knee disabilities, and a right eye disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral knee strains due to inadequate VA examination, and new examinations are required.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed due to the late filing of his Notice of Disagreement. Service connection was granted for sarcoidosis on a presumptive basis under the PACT Act, as well as for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including instability, is rated at 20 percent and no higher.,A separate 10 percent rating for patellar instability is granted.,Compensable ratings are assigned for the ventral hernia, bilateral hearing loss, recurrent episcleritis with surface ocular inflammation, scarring due to genital warts and treatment of genital warts, residual scars s/p ventral hernia laparoscopic surgery, and left wrist sprain with degenerative arthritis and residual pain from old wrist fracture.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for an addendum etiology opinion regarding the Veteran's left knee disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for left and right knee disorders due to procedural errors. The Veteran's claims are not yet decided.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for eligibility to have attorney fees paid due to the assignment of a 30 percent rating for his service-connected bilateral knee conditions in the May 2024 rating decision. The other issues were granted, but not based on past-due benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, resulting in a denial of SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board cannot issue a decision on the underlying claims at this time.