Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for an employment handicap, as he has overcome any impairments to employability through his education, work history, and transferrable skills. Therefore, VR&E benefits are denied.

The Board has determined that new evidence received since the final rating decision supports readjudication of the Veteran's service connection claim for a right knee condition. However, due to a duty-to-assist error, the case is remanded to obtain an updated medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current right knee condition is aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding higher ratings for service-connected residuals of the left knee. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in VA's duty to assist, specifically regarding the Veteran's periods of INACDUTRA in the Army National Guard and obtaining relevant Federal records. The AOJ is instructed to take appropriate steps to obtain these records.

The Board has found that there is no current disability related to the Veteran's in-service left thigh injury, and thus denied service connection for this condition. The remaining claims of service connection for a left knee condition, a left shin condition, and a lower back condition are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shin splints, as well as his bilateral knee conditions. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active duty service.

The Board has denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed right knee and right ankle disabilities, finding that any increase in severity during service was due to natural progression.

The Board has denied service connection for sickle cell anemia and remanded the remaining claims due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's right shoulder, back, and knee disabilities are also being remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral middle radicular group on a presumptive basis. The claims for left knee and left shoulder disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's left and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with instability are granted increased evaluations of 20 percent each.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further review due to inadequate prior examinations and the need for a new evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease, right knee degenerative arthritis, and left knee degenerative arthritis. The conditions are found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee disabilities due to a lack of VA examination records and need for further medical evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability. The claims for these conditions are based on direct evidence of a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) is being remanded due to the need for a new aid and attendance examination. The AOJ will consider all service-connected disabilities in determining if they render the Veteran helpless, requiring regular aid and attendance.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disorders, finding that there is no evidence of a direct relationship to service or any other compensable basis.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis has been rated at 10 percent from January 14, 2013, to October 21, 2020, and at 30 percent since October 21, 2020. The appeal is denied as the disability rating does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including congenital right bipartite patella, patella femoral pain syndrome, and degenerative changes, is granted as service connection due to aggravation beyond its natural progression by in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a VA examination and medical opinion to determine if his current right knee disorder and prostate disorder are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to May 18, 2023 due to insufficient consideration of the effects of hydrocodone use on his right knee disability. The claims are also inextricably intertwined with the pending increased rating claims.