Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's right knee disability, with limitation of flexion, is granted a 20 percent rating prior to December 6, 2022. The claim for higher ratings for the period from December 6, 2022 onwards remains denied.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to new information suggesting worsening of the Veteran's left knee disabilities, including pain and limitation of motion during flare-ups. The Veteran needs an updated examination to assess his current condition.

An effective date of September 16, 2015 for the award of a separate 20 percent disability rating for left knee meniscal tear is granted.,An initial disability evaluation of 30 percent for a left knee disability based on instability is granted.,The issue of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent prior to June 3, 2024, for a left knee disability based on flexion is denied.,The issue of entitlement to a compensable disability rating from June 3, 2024, for a left knee disability based on flexion is denied.,The issue of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent prior to June 3, 2024, for a left knee disability based on extension is denied.,The issue of entitlement to disability rating in excess of 10 percent from June 3, 2024, for a left knee disability based on extension is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for left shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to insufficient compliance with previous remand directives. A new VA examination is required.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee DJD, right knee DJD, lumbar spine DDD, and cervical spine DDD as aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left shoulder arthritis, as well as right and left knee arthritis, finding that the Veteran's in-service injuries have resulted in chronic symptoms of these conditions since separation from service.

The Veteran's left knee disabilities are rated at a 10 percent for limitation of extension and flexion, but no higher. The rating is denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on instability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a current left knee disability and its relation to service. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, but remanded the issue of service connection for a respiratory disability (other than sleep apnea), claimed as asthma.

The Board has granted service connection for a back condition. The right and left knee conditions are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding their relationship to the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his back and right knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 40 percent for lumbar DDD or higher than 20 percent thereafter for right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the appeal for issues related to a right knee disability, including entitlement to increased ratings and whether a rating reduction was proper. The appeals are pending due to procedural deficiencies in issuing Statements of the Case.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee, right knee, and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development including a new VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, neck disability, bilateral ankle disability, and bilateral knee disability due to the lack of current diagnosed disabilities related to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder and other substance use disorder, chronic knee strain, residuals of left knee injury, tinnitus, and allergic rhinitis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is related to his active duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by instability and dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of 'locking', pain, and effusion into the joint, is rated at a separate 20 percent for his right knee dislocated semilunar cartilage condition. The rating in excess of 10 percent for instability of the right knee remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for treatment purposes only under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 17 for adjustment disorder with mixed disturbances of emotions and conduct, personality disorder is dismissed as the issue has been fully granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, left hand disability, right hand disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability are all denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches, bilateral knee strain, shin splints, lumbar and thoracic strains, and hypertension, render her unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back, hip, and knee conditions, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to mobility issues that prevent him from performing daily activities independently. The Board has determined that the evidence supports granting SMC based on this need.