Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for posttraumatic stress disorder was denied, and the Board found that he is not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities from March 30, 2010.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee and hip disabilities, hernia, and respiratory disorder due to exposure to asbestos and other hazardous chemicals. The claims are being reviewed again with additional evidence considered.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for lumbar spondylosis and TDIU was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating or entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his service-connected left knee disabilities.,His increased ratings claims are denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating than what he currently receives.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was granted a disability rating of 10 percent effective June 13, 2017. The reduction from 20 to 10 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is upheld.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and new evidence received. The issues of low back, bilateral knees, right ear hearing loss, abdominal hernia, shoulder disabilities, heart murmur, and acquired psychiatric disorder are all being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities due to inadequate examinations conducted during the appeal period. Additional VA examinations are needed to assess the severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a right knee condition and bilateral hand numbness due to inadequate medical opinions in the previous decision. The Veteran's conditions are being reviewed again with new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between his current disabilities and military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for arthritis of the lower body has been withdrawn. The Board has also remanded his claim for a bilateral knee disorder due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional disability due to VA podiatry treatment, as there was not substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination due to inconsistencies in previous opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to February 11, 2009 for service connection for sleep apnea and increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and low back disorder due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding secondary aggravation.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities has been reopened and is granted. The appeal for a higher rating for PTSD, as well as the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, right knee condition, and left knee condition are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new vocational rehabilitation evaluation to consider his current service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to pursue a nursing degree.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss, vertigo or Meniere’s disease, insomnia, conjunctivitis, cataracts, ulcers, headaches, right-hand and left-hand disabilities, squamous cell skin cancer, cholecystitis (claimed as a gallbladder disability), colitis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, skin disability on the back, PTSD, right knee disability, lower back disability, left knee disability, hypertension, and GERD. The claims are denied as secondary to service-connected disabilities or due to in-service exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of various psychiatric, digestive, musculoskeletal, and skin conditions claimed by the Veteran. The claims will be reviewed again after these examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar disc disease and related conditions, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as the Veteran's bilateral knee and left shoulder conditions. The issues of service connection for left knee condition, right knee condition, and left shoulder condition are remanded.