Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal regarding the ratings for his service-connected left and right knee patellofemoral syndrome, as well as left knee instability, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity and cervical spine degenerative joint disease are granted. The Board has remanded the issues of bilateral shoulder disabilities, bilateral knee condition, and low back pain for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left knee disorder, bilateral foot disorder, sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's current conditions are being evaluated by VA examiners.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and initial ratings on several conditions has been dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding diplopia and right side second rib fracture, while granting service connection for right knee patellofemoral syndrome.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are granted as service connected, with a rating of 100%.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected low back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and left knee disability was denied. The Veteran also had a TDIU granted.,For the period prior to September 5, 2017, the Veteran’s intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis did not meet criteria for an increased rating beyond 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, and left foot disorders due to deficiencies in the medical opinions provided. The Veteran is asked to provide any additional private treatment records and authorize VA to obtain them.

The Veteran's knee disabilities are currently rated at 10% each, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating based on current evidence.

The Veteran's left knee meniscal tear was productive of frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint during the appeal period. The Board granted a separate rating of 20 percent for this condition prior to November 5, 2012.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for a left knee disorder and has determined that he is entitled to service connection based on evidence showing that his current condition had its onset in service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including arthritis of the wrists, left knee condition, left hand scars, right ankle condition, vertigo and/or Meniere's disease secondary to hearing loss, migraine headaches secondary to hearing loss, Raynaud's disease of various extremities, anemia, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The remand requires additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's claim for a right knee disability and bilateral pes planus was reopened, and the claims are granted. The left ankle, lumbar spine, and wrist disabilities as well as OSA remain denied.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities have been rated based on their specific symptoms and limitations, with the highest possible rating of 20 percent for each knee. The appeal is denied as the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome disabilities are rated at 30 percent each, but no higher. The Board found that the flexion in both knees is limited to 15 degrees with pain.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, right shoulder disability, lower back disability, bilateral hip disabilities, left ankle disability, and bilateral knee disabilities. The effective date of these grants is July 18, 2018. However, the TDIU claim remains pending as it was not formally filed in conjunction with other claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for her left knee and left ankle conditions, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and her military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records related to his shoulder and knee disabilities. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hysterectomy, right knee disability, and right ankle disability due to incomplete records. The Veteran's claim for vocational and rehabilitation employment services is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining relevant private treatment records.

The Board has dismissed the claims for DJD of the cervical spine and lumbar spine, as well as the ratings for left knee, internal derangement of the left knee, residuals of a right knee meniscectomy, scarring of the right knee, and hidradenitis suppurativa. The issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (secondary to major depressive disorder), rating in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder, and TDIU have been remanded.