Knee decisions — 2018

The Board has found that the Veteran's symptoms have worsened and requests a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left and right knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being added by the AOJ, and the Veteran wants this review done first.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a respiratory disorder and an increased rating for left knee sprain was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's current respiratory disorder or left knee condition were related to his military service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is related to her combat service in Iraq. Service connection for the psychiatric disorder is granted. The low back disability, bilateral hip strain, right and left knee disabilities, and right foot disability are remanded for further examination.

The Board dismissed the appeals for hepatitis B, left leg disability, left hip disability, and lumbar spine disability as the Veteran withdrew his appeal of these issues. The rating for surgical scars associated with left knee replacement was granted at a 10% level. A TDIU from May 20, 2011, was granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The claims for bronchitis and ischemic heart disease secondary to asbestos exposure, and left knee disability are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, bilateral foot disability, and damaged femoral nerve. The Veteran's right knee OA is remanded for further examination.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for service connection for low back disorder, bilateral knee disability, and asthma. However, these claims have been denied as there is no evidence to support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for right knee arthritis. The Veteran's current disability is found to be caused by an in-service injury, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's increased rating for left knee disorder since January 30, 2013 is being remanded due to inadequate examination findings.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, prior to October 4, 2017, was rated at 10 percent due to painful motion without additional limitation of flexion or extension. The Board found no evidence supporting a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete VA examinations and outdated treatment records. The issues of increased ratings for lumbar spine disability and right knee disability are pending.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability due to new and material evidence. The claims for right knee, right leg venous insufficiency, and acquired psychiatric disorder are all remanded for further development.,The Veteran's right knee disability is being remanded for a new medical opinion on its etiology. The claim for service connection for the right leg venous insufficiency is also remanded with a request for a new examination and opinion.,The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and pain disorder associated with both psychological factors and a general medical condition are being remanded for a new examination by a psychologist or psychiatrist to determine their etiology.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for his right knee disability, migraines, left thumb disability (status post reduction and casting), and inversion sprain of the right ankle. The cases are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The left thumb disability was rated at 10%, the cervical spine disability at 20% from October 27, 2010 to July 26, 2015, and at 30% since July 27, 2015; the lumbar spine disability at 40%; the bilateral knee disability at 10%; and TDIU was denied from October 27, 2010 to June 30, 2011. The effective date for the 30% rating for cervical spine disability remains July 27, 2015.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, chronic acid reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).,For his right knee condition, left ankle strain, right ankle strain, and bilateral plantar fasciitis with hallux valgus, the Board has remanded these issues due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and right knee disorders are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claims. The Board will seek further medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication, including addressing the propriety of a reduction in rating and an increased evaluation for right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, back disorder, and left knee disorder due to incomplete records. The Veteran's lay statements will be considered in determining if his conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee and foot disabilities are found to have caused his current low back, right knee, and left foot degenerative joint diseases. As such, the claims for these conditions are granted.