Knee Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for clarification regarding the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are denied. The AOJ is directed to obtain a VA medical examination addressing the nature and etiology of the claimed conditions, specifically plantar fasciitis in the left foot.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for right hand 4th digit PIP joint strain and a right knee disability due to missing service treatment records. The claims will be reconsidered with all available records included.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder disorder but has remanded his claims for back, bilateral knee disorders due to insufficient etiological opinions in previous examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and sustaining employment, thus denying his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected left knee disability has been denied. The effective date of the award remains at September 12, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy (radiculopathy), left hip disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral foot disability have all been denied as there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee meniscus tear and lumbosacral strain are being remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, and the claims for service connection have been dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left elbow disability and tinnitus are granted. The claim for service connection for a left knee condition is remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are rated at a 10 percent rating, effective June 25, 2002. The claim for increased ratings was denied.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective October 23, 2012, due to his service-connected migraines and other disabilities preventing him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.,Basic eligibility for DEA benefits was also granted effective October 23, 2012, based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left knee tendonitis has been dismissed because the appellant withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for traumatic arthritis of the left knee and plantar fasciitis of the right foot prior to January 2, 2024, are being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The claim for TDIU is also being remanded as it was not raised by the Veteran prior to the September 2021 rating decision on appeal.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for his service-connected scar, right knee residuals, is denied. However, a separate 10 percent rating for the painful scar, right knee residuals, effective from October 3, 2017 to February 8, 2022, is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shin splints, left shin splints, left knee arthritis, and right knee arthritis due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD and right knee arthralgia were denied increased ratings. The PTSD was rated at 30 percent, while the right knee condition remained at a 10 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for further review of the evidence submitted by the appellant.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine condition, left heel condition, left knee strain, left shoulder condition, lumbar spine condition, and left foot condition, all of which are found to be related to his active service.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 20 percent for instability from April 29, 2015 onwards. Separate ratings of 10 percent are granted for limitation of extension and painful flexion throughout the period on appeal.