Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's request for a clothing allowance due to his use of a knee brace is remanded. The VA needs to conduct an orthopedic examination to determine if the knee brace causes wear and tear on his clothes.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeal.,The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for further development regarding the Veteran's left knee, right knee, and TDIU claims.

The petition to reopen a claim for service connection for a left knee condition was denied. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an effective date prior to October 14, 2014 for the grant of service connection for right shoulder degenerative joint disease with tear of superior labrum and tendinosis of the rotator cuff and long head of the biceps tendon status post arthrotomy was denied. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an increased rating for a right shoulder disability is remanded, as well as his claim for TDIU due to this issue being inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease with degenerative disc disease and sacroiliac degenerative joint disease results in forward flexion greater than 30 degrees, but no ankylosis. The current rating of 20% is appropriate.,Prior to January 16, 2012, the Veteran's right knee disability resulted in painful motion with extension limited to 10 degrees. Effective March 1, 2013, his status post total knee replacement results in extension to 10 degrees or more and flexion greater than 60 degrees. The current ratings of 10% prior to January 16, 2012, and 30% effective March 1, 2013, are appropriate.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for various conditions, including right knee chondromalacia, left knee chondromalacia, cervical strain with degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, and degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine. The remand also includes a TDIU claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination and treatment records, requiring further evaluation of the Veteran's recurrent left lower extremity disability.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that a remand is required to have an examiner supplement the record with a report regarding the current severity of his right knee disability and obtain any missing private records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's sleep apnea, anxiety and depression, PTSD, left knee instability, right knee instability, and left knee chondromalacia patella and strain are all under review.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to determine if he meets the criteria for a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total disability rating based on the need for convalescence following surgical treatment of his service-connected right knee disability was denied as untimely filed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to additional development being required, including obtaining Army Reserve records and private or VA treatment records. The Veteran is also to be afforded new VA examinations for his bilateral knee disability, Gulf War Syndrome, undiagnosed illness, and medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illnesses including dizziness and fatigue, as well as his heart disability (CAD).

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to determine if a right knee disorder is related to service and if a left knee disorder is secondary to a right knee disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right knee disability and sinus disability, as well as the need to obtain VA treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee degenerative arthritis, diabetes mellitus, type II with erectile dysfunction, and major depressive disorder. The current disability ratings of 10 percent for each condition are maintained.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral shoulder disability, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, bilateral knee disability, and GERD due to new evidence indicating worsening symptoms since his last VA examination in February 2012. The Veteran will need to undergo additional VA examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's increased ratings for his left knee, right knee, and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for new examinations. The TDIU issue is also being remanded.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of headaches due to new and material evidence. The claims for increased ratings for left knee and back disabilities are also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity is granted a 40% rating effective May 23, 2016. The right knee disability remains at a 10% rating prior to August 23, 2012 and from December 31, 2012 to April 2, 2014.

The Board has denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed right knee, right ankle, left knee, low back, hallux valgus deformity (right first metatarsophalangeal joint), and meralgia paresthetica disabilities as they are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and a temporary total disability rating following left knee surgery. The Veteran's depression was rated at 60 percent, with the possibility of an increased rating to 70 percent if he could not maintain employment due to his disabilities.