Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left knee arthritis prior to January 26, 2017 were denied as the evidence did not show that his knee conditions warranted a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current nature, extent, severity and manifestations of her service-connected right knee disability. Additionally, she needs a VA examination to assess the likely etiology of any residuals from her gallbladder surgery in 1981.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and the identification of outstanding medical records.

Service connection is granted for thoracolumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, left knee disorder, skin disorder on the right hand, and right foot disorder.,Service connection is denied for cephalgia as it is not secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that further development of the record is necessary to comply with VA's duty to assist and to ensure a full and fair adjudication of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's right knee and left Achilles tendonitis disabilities are currently rated at their maximum allowable under the applicable rating criteria. The Board finds that these conditions do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating, and thus the appeal is denied.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 70 percent rating, effective from March 29, 2011 to July 31, 2012, and from May 21, 2014. The Veteran's TDIU based on PTSD was also granted during this period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the claims of service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the right ear hearing loss issue. The remaining claims were denied as there is no legal basis for a higher rating.

The Veteran's right knee disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the cause of his condition, including whether it is related to service-connected left knee disability or preexisting conditions. The examiner will also need to address whether the current condition is at least as likely as not caused by disease or injury in service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder and granted it. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination. The issues on appeal are service connection for left knee disorder, right foot disorder, and eye disorder.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left knee sprain and instability have been granted, but he is seeking earlier effective dates. The case must be remanded to obtain updated VAMC records and for the RO to consider the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and review of her medical records. The issues include service connection for knee and hip disabilities.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for right and left knee disabilities, as well as residuals of Achilles injuries. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate these claims.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for traumatic arthritis, left knee meniscectomy is denied as the evidence does not support more than the current 10 percent disability rating.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids is denied as there is no evidence of large or thrombotic hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and secondary anemia.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee disability is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate opinions from the VA examiners and need for additional evidence, including treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for new examinations and additional development of his VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right-knee meniscus tear and chondroplasty are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease. The surgery was for a non-service connected disorder.