Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease with IVDS was denied a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to March 16, 2018 and a rating in excess of 40 percent from that date onwards.,The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the right knee was denied a higher than 10 percent rating throughout the appeal period.,The Veteran's left ankle strain was denied a higher than 10 percent rating throughout the appeal period.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and failure to address flare-ups in the left knee.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable for the period prior to September 2011, as he participated in a non-paid work experience with SSA and had obtained a Bachelor’s degree. The Board denied entitlement to TDIU during this period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient examination reports and failure to consider all relevant evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records from Health Services Medical Records. The Veteran needs to authorize VA to obtain his treatment records.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 60 percent effective April 23, 2018. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence regarding the current existence of a right knee disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. The Veteran's service-connected right hip osteoarthritis is also being remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for whether new and material evidence was submitted to reopen service connection claims, as well as the claim of entitlement to cause of death. The appellant must clarify her intention regarding substitution or accrued benefits purposes.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle, right hip, and left knee disabilities are aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability. As a result, these conditions have been granted as secondary to the service-connected right knee disability.

The Board denied service connection for multilevel spondyloarthropathy with disc bulging (claimed as low back pain) and right knee meniscal tear, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses were not related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee, neck, and low back disabilities as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The effective dates for the grants of service connection for these conditions are not specified in this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further investigation and clarification of her incarceration status, as well as an audit of her pension account. Additionally, there is a need to ensure proper notification regarding her right to appeal the overpayment of $18,692.07 in pension benefits.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations. Her eligibility for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance is also being remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for right knee instability, an increased rating in excess of 20 percent prior to August 23, 2017, and 40 percent thereafter, for right shoulder instability, an increased rating in excess of 20 percent prior to August 23, 2017, and 40 percent thereafter, for a back condition, and an increased rating in excess of 30 percent prior to August 23, 2017, and 70 percent thereafter, for PTSD.

The October 2001 rating decision denying service connection for a right shoulder disability was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The appeal is denied.,The October 2001 rating decision denying service connection for a right knee disability was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's ratings for his gouty arthritis of the bilateral knees, right foot, and wrist were combined into a single 60 percent rating. The issue is being remanded to clarify whether the left knee instability associated with left knee gouty arthritis was considered in this evaluation.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating may be warranted. The claim remains under appeal as higher ratings are available.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating for various conditions, including low back disorder, bilateral foot disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, bilateral knee disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), and bilateral hearing loss. Additional evidence is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service or events therein.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, bilateral knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disability due to insufficient evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.