Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected chronic urticaria is rated at the maximum allowable level (60%), and he has been granted a TDIU based on his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's request for a higher rating for his right knee disability is denied. Since January 28, 2020, he is granted a separate rating of 40 percent for limited right knee extension and a separate rating of 20 percent for moderate right knee instability. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also granted since January 31, 2020.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee, left shoulder, and back disabilities due to errors in the AOJ's decision-making process. The AOJ is required to obtain new medical opinions addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee conditions due to duty-to-assist errors, including inadequate VA medical opinion and missing treatment records.

The Veteran's lower back traumatic arthritis is rated at 40 percent, and the knee disabilities are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for left knee disability, seizure disorder, and related secondary service connection issues due to inadequate development of evidence and lack of adequate rationale in medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability. The claim will be reviewed again with a focus on establishing continuity of symptomatology and etiology between service and current condition.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a sleep disorder is dismissed as the benefit sought on appeal has already been awarded. The Board remands the remaining claims of service connection for neck, low back, left knee, and right knee disorders for further development.

The Veteran's right knee instability is rated at 20 percent since October 27, 2011. The Board has remanded the case for further development.,The Veteran's current 20 percent rating for right knee instability does not reflect the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including a meniscal tear and degenerative joint disease, is scheduled for surgery. The Board has ordered the AOJ to obtain records of this procedure due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee strain, finding that there is no causal relationship between his current disability and his in-service injury. The Board considered all evidence of record, including VA examinations and treatment records, but found the Veteran's statements concerning the onset of his right knee disability to be inconsistent.

Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, groin pain, and right arm callus is denied.,The claims of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a right knee disability, and a left lower extremity pain are remanded.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and tinnitus have been granted service connection.,Headaches, low back disability, and bilateral ankle disabilities are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a right knee disability is dismissed as it violates the rule of finality.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted as secondary to service-connected disabilities, and a rating of 10 percent for his right knee scar is granted. The claim for a higher rating for the right knee disability remains denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, bilateral foot disability, left knee and hip disabilities, right shoulder disability, IBS, and headaches. The reasons provided include lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's appeal for a 100% rating for right knee replacement has been withdrawn and is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for prostate cancer, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and left knee degenerative arthritis and instability due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claim for service connection for ED is also remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disorder, right wrist disorder, and right shoulder nerve disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,Service connection was also denied for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Board found no current disability meeting the criteria for VA compensation purposes.

The Board has restored a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's right knee instability effective November 1, 2021. The reduction from 20 to 10 percent was found to be improper due to lack of improvement in function.