Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of his address.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the service connection claims for low back disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability. The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be proximately due to his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder has been reopened, and the case is remanded for further development. The issues of an initial compensable rating for residual scar associated with status post laceration of achilles and peroneus brevis tendon with tendinosis multiple tendons and a rating in excess of 20 percent for status post laceration of achilles and peroneus brevis tendon with tendinosis multiple tendons are also remanded.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left knee degenerative arthritis and instability have been granted, with a temporary 100% rating following the TKR surgery. The denial of a higher rating for patellar subluxation is noted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their relationship to service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but granted service connection for right knee degenerative changes.,The Veteran's genitourinary disability (orchialgia and varicocele) is pending due to a remand.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination as they are related to service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a combined rating of 70 percent is denied as the December 2010 rating decision is final and the Veteran did not perfect his appeal with respect to the initial disability ratings assigned in that decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left-knee disorder as secondary to his service-connected left-ankle disorder due to the lack of current disability evidence.

The Veteran's left knee has been rated at 10 percent for limitation of flexion, and a separate 10 percent rating is granted for limitation of extension. The right knee has been rated at 10 percent for limitation of flexion, with additional ratings for limitation of extension.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) claim was remanded but not yet adjudicated.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip DJD as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected total knee replacement with DJD, right knee.,However, a rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's right knee disability is still pending and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left and right knee degenerative arthritis due to inadequate examination findings and lack of treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disorders due to a lack of medical evidence and an examination. The Veteran served as an aircraft mechanic, which may have contributed to his current knee conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right knee patellofemoral syndrome due to inadequate medical evidence in the previous examinations. The VA is directed to obtain an examination consistent with the guidance provided in Sharp v. Shulkin, focusing on functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has granted the reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and left eye disorders, but denied both claims as there is no current diagnosis of a right knee disorder or a compensable left eye disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for a right ankle disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability due to service connection issues. The Veteran's statements indicate he sustained injuries during active duty in Panama, but his service records do not confirm this. Additional verification is needed.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hand strain, thoracolumbar strain, bilateral knee strain, and migraine headaches due to incomplete medical records and unclear diagnoses.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the onset and etiology of his bilateral knee, leg, and shoulder conditions. The VA is instructed to obtain new examinations by qualified medical professionals.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for his right knee, left knee, hip, and low back conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The appeal regarding a bilateral knee condition is remanded.