Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on his service-connected lumbar spine condition, bilateral knee conditions, and pes planus was dismissed as he withdrew the claim. The appeals for tingling and numbness in the right shoulder and a respiratory disorder were remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased disability ratings were denied. The Veteran was granted initial non-compensable evaluations for low back strain prior to June 16, 2017, and a 10% evaluation since then. Claims for bilateral hearing loss, left wrist disorder, right wrist disorder, right knee disorder, and facial swelling/numbness were remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for limitation of motion of the left knee is remanded. The claims for TDIU are also being developed by the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to lack of medical documentation in the Veteran's service treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of the record.

The Board has granted service connection for low back and left knee disabilities, but remanded the right knee disability due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeals regarding increased ratings for left knee degenerative joint disease and COPD have been dismissed. Service connection has been granted for left foot, right foot, and restless leg syndrome.

The Board has remanded the case due to pending claims that could impact the TDIU determination. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded until all service connection and new and material evidence issues are resolved.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for RPPS of the right knee and spontaneous pneumothorax with restrictive lung disease have been denied as there is no evidence supporting a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, left leg disability (including left knee and right elbow), sleep apnea, and residuals of an oral injury due to lack of a VA examination. The Veteran is requested to provide lay statements and undergo examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current left knee disability is related to service. A VA examination will be required.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of residuals of a left knee injury, and has remanded it for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral shoulder and lower back pain, as well as her right knee condition due to incomplete medical records.

The Board dismissed the appeals for initial compensable evaluations for bilateral knee scars. For the lumbar spine disability, a rating of 60 percent is granted from March 21, 2014, and all other claims are denied.

Service connection for a right knee disability is granted. Restoration of service connection for left knee disabilities since March 1, 2014 is denied. An initial schedular rating in excess of 10 percent for limitation of flexion of the left knee prior to March 1, 2014 is denied. An increased rating greater than 30 percent for residuals of a left total knee arthroplasty is remanded. Entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's clothing allowance for a metal brace used for her service-connected left knee disability is granted. Her clothing allowance for using a cane in connection with her service-connected left knee disability is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated as noncompensable, and a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service and more likely due to a workplace injury in 2007.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder, right knee, and left knee disorders. The case is remanded to obtain updated VA examinations and determine appropriate disability ratings.