Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal of the effective date earlier than March 27, 2015 for the award of an increased 20 percent rating for left knee degenerative arthritis is dismissed. The claims of entitlement to higher ratings for left knee PFPS and right ankle disorder are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee disability, finding that there is no competent evidence linking his current left knee arthritis to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate rationale in a previous VA examiner's opinion regarding whether the Veteran's left knee disorder is caused or aggravated by his service-connected right total knee replacement and scars. The case will be returned for an addendum opinion considering the Veteran's lay statements about his change in gait.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of panic disorder began during active service and is granted service connection.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, granted service connection for tinnitus, and denied service connection for hypertension. The Veteran's skin disability and acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of records.

The Board has determined that there is at least a 50% chance that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability was caused or aggravated by his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for a left knee condition and low back disorder, finding new and material evidence. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's left knee and right hand disabilities, including a reduction in rating for left knee instability, increased ratings for osteoarthritis and other conditions, and evaluations for scars. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine current severity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective date prior to January 27, 2010 for service connection are remanded due to incomplete development of records and need for new examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and examination regarding his service-connected disabilities, including a pain-based disability of the toes, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, patellofemoral syndrome of the knees, and SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a back condition, bilateral knee condition, urticaria with pruritus, and bilateral ankle condition due to new and material evidence. The issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding medical records from Mt. San Antonio College and additional VA examinations are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's current back, knee, and foot disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left knee strain, right knee strain, and hypertension is granted. The Board found that the Veteran experienced in-service events linked to his current conditions and provided sufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to his service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for tricuspid regurgitation, higher initial rating for left knee degenerative joint disease, hypertension, and irritable bowel syndrome prior to the hearing.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, hip, and bilateral knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and left knee strain as these conditions are not related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and examination to address her TBI, left knee strain, migrainous and cervicogenic headaches, and service-connected psychiatric disabilities. The issues of rating the TBI, left knee strain, and migrainous and cervicogenic headaches are currently on appeal.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities have been rated as 10 percent for each knee, with no higher rating due to the lack of limitation in motion or instability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating. The Veteran also does not meet the criteria for TDIU as he has one disability rated at least 40% and his combined evaluation is less than 70%. His other disabilities are not sufficient to bring his combined evaluation to 70%.