Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were granted, but the rating for metatarsalgia of the right foot was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for an increased rating for DJD of the right foot was also denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, NOS is granted as service-connected.,Effective February 19, 2010, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons and bases for its denial of a TDIU rating, as it failed to reconcile findings with the May 2017 VA examination opinion. The matter is now referred to the VA’s Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected left and right knee disabilities, including evaluations for knee extension and patellofemoral syndrome. Additional evidence is needed from VA treatment records and an addendum opinion regarding flare-ups and functional loss.

The Veteran's appeal for clothing allowances for his back brace and bilateral knee braces is denied because the evidence does not show that these appliances wear and tear his clothing.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disorder, denied increased ratings for right knee degenerative joint disease and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, denied effective dates prior to May 22, 2015 for service connection of right ankle arthritis and left leg pain (rheumatoid radiculopathy), and remanded issues related to depression, service connection for left ankle arthritis, and effective dates prior to August 29, 2014 for increased rating of right lower extremity radiculopathy.,The Board also denied an effective date prior to January 26, 2018 for a 50 percent disability rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and degenerative changes of the left great toe, denied service connection for left ankle arthritis, and remanded issues related to depression.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for vertigo, neck disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, jaw disorder, and headaches due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions during or prior to the pendency of the claim.

The Veteran's arthritis of the right knee is granted service connection. Service connection for his right hip disability, secondary to his left hip degenerative joint disease, is also granted. The Veteran's right shoulder condition remains unresolved due to severance.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability as secondary to his service-connected ankle disability.

The Veteran's right knee disability prior to June 1, 2011 was rated at 10 percent based on limitation of flexion. The Board found no evidence warranting a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder due to incomplete notice provided.

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

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical opinions and a need for further examination regarding the Veteran's right knee disability.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for extended periods of convalescence related to knee surgeries and degenerative joint disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for sleep apnea, depression, and other disabilities due to outstanding evidence and further medical evaluation.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for right and left knee disorders has been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, nerve damage, hypertension, headaches, obstructive sleep apnea, a bilateral eye disability; and a right shoulder disability have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are being remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for a right ankle disability and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee, degenerative arthritis were dismissed due to withdrawals by the Veteran.

The Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and right knee disability have been granted service connection, with the right knee disability receiving a 10% rating.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left knee is granted service connection, but his diabetes mellitus is denied.