Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to inadequate VA examination opinions and incomplete medical records.

The appeal is dismissed as no valid timely notice of disagreement was received for the issues of service connection and initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus.

The Veteran's left knee disability was previously rated at 20 percent, effective January 11, 2018. The VA Regional Office increased the rating to reflect moderate instability of the left knee under Diagnostic Code 5257.

Effective October 9, 2012, the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability was granted increased ratings for limitation of flexion and extension.,From January 16, 2024 to present, the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability received an increased rating for limitation of extension.

The Veteran's claims for anemia, colon polyps, joint disorder, urinary disorder, and menstrual disorder were denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to service.,There are no indications that the Veteran's conditions are related to her military service or any environmental exposures during her deployment in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and meniscectomy residuals, is rated at 10 percent. A separate 10 percent rating for the residual of the meniscectomy has been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disorder, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee degenerative joint disease, and right knee degenerative joint disease due to inadequate VA opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right knee conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal in an August 2024 statement.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for right knee instability from May 2, 2006 to the present. The Veteran's disability is characterized by moderate recurrent subluxation or lateral instability of the right knee.

The Veteran's service-connected patellofemoral syndrome, right knee and left knee have been denied increased evaluations.,Service connection for hydromyelia of the cervical spine is remanded due to failure to appear for examination.

The Veteran's right knee instability, chondromalacia with degenerative changes, and meniscus condition have been rated as 20 percent for the period prior to April 11, 2023. A separate 20 percent rating has also been granted for a right knee meniscus condition with frequent episodes of locking, swelling, and effusion.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development to ensure compliance with prior remand directives and VA's duty to assist.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left knee disability and its relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to deficiencies in the May 2016 VA examination and other issues related to right knee disability ratings.

The Board has remanded several claims related to the Veteran's left knee disability, including rating increases and TDIU. The issues include seeking higher ratings for left knee limitation of motion and instability, as well as entitlement to a TDIU prior to July 27, 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been improperly adjudicated due to a failure to obtain all relevant medical records and Social Security disability records. The case is being remanded to correct this error.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to February 19, 2021 were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not demonstrate a factually ascertainable increase in disability within one year prior to the date of claim.,The Veteran was granted service connection and increased ratings for TBI, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, scar on the right side of the head, and residuals headaches as of February 19, 2021. The Board denied claims for earlier effective dates.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, rated as 100 percent disabling, did not cause an impairment in her ability to obtain, maintain, or retain suitable employment. The Board denied VR&E services due to the Veteran's current employability and lack of demonstrated employment handicap.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for back and left knee disabilities due to inadequate examination reports. A new examination is required to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities at levels qualifying for VA compensation purposes.,Service connection for PTSD has not been established due to the lack of a diagnosis and insufficient medical examination, leading to remand. The Veteran's lower back strain and right knee strain are also being remanded for further evaluation.