Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's left knee disability was previously rated at 30 percent, effective March 18, 2019. The RO reduced this rating to noncompensable (0%) effective May 1, 2022, based on the absence of actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Board has granted the restoration of service connection for six disabilities: left upper leg gunshot wound, left forearm gunshot wound, entry and exit wounds associated with lumbar spine injuries, paralumbar muscles injury, PTSD, and left knee osteoarthritis. The original grant was based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary condition.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee condition, right knee condition, left foot condition, and right foot condition as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected back disability. The Board also granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 and hypertension as secondary to his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension has been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The claims for left knee and hip disabilities are being remanded.,Service connection is granted for a left knee disability based on continuity of symptomatology since active duty.

The Veteran's disability ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathies were restored to 40 percent, effective March 22, 2021. The claim for service connection of bilateral knee conditions was readjudicated due to new evidence received.

The appeal seeking to readjudicate a claim for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is granted. The appeal seeking to readjudicate a claim for degenerative joint disease of the left knee is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee limitation of flexion was denied. A separate noncompensable rating, but no higher, for right knee limitation of extension is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral knee patellofemoral pain syndrome have been granted service connection. The Board found new and relevant evidence to warrant readjudication of these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders due to potential errors in the initial decision. The Veteran's hearing testimony will be considered, and an addendum opinion is required regarding the impact of his hemophilia on his knee conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 20% for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, but no higher.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's low back and right knee disabilities are related to in-service IED attacks, with the current conditions being at least as likely as not caused by these events.,Both the low back and right knee disabilities were found to be directly related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for a 10% disability rating for his right knee strain, finding that the increase in symptoms occurred more than one year prior to his intent to file for an increased rating.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's right knee disability and left shoulder disabilities are denied as not related to service.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is denied as not related to service.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and instability are rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings granted. The decision also denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee osteoarthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis with meniscus tear, limitation of motion with arthritis in the left ankle, and limitation of motion with arthritis in the right ankle. The claims are based on continuity of symptoms since active service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's right knee disability and left shoulder disabilities are denied as not related to service.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is denied as not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed right ankle, lumbar spine, right knee, right hip, right shoulder, right wrist, left wrist, left elbow, and cervical spine conditions based on credible lay statements and medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, specifically regarding the Veteran's right knee strain. The Veteran is seeking a higher initial rating for his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his right little finger disability was denied. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or functional impairment akin to amputation, and thus no basis for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.