Knee decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete responses from an independent medical examiner. The issues include compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and service connection for MRSA, left foot drop, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings or separate diagnoses, and noted that his shaking leg syndrome was a symptom of PTSD and TBI.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities, including range of motion testing.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and other ear disorders. The remaining issues are also being remanded.

The Board has reopened the service connection claim for a left knee disability and remanded both issues of service connection. The major depressive disorder issue is also remanded to obtain clarification on the severity and nature of symptoms.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence in the most recent VA examination report, particularly regarding the ranges of motion for both right and left knee flexion and extension.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's left knee disability is caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional development. The issues include knee conditions, shingles, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the legs, and sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are inadequate, requiring a new examination to assess current severity. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other two claims.

The Veteran's appeal for an extension of a total convalescent rating beyond November 30, 2010 due to right knee surgery requiring convalescence has been denied. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for a right knee anterior cruciate tear from December 1, 2010 is remanded.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are currently rated at 10% each, but the Board found that they do not warrant a higher rating based on limitation of motion or pain.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hip and knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions did not manifest during or within presumptive periods following service. The evidence showed no in-service manifestations of arthritis, and the Board concluded there was insufficient medical nexus to support a direct service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disorder, finding that his pre-existing condition was not aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for patellofemoral syndrome, right knee; left ear hearing loss; and post-operative residuals, right ear, with membrane patch are being remanded due to the receipt of additional evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee osteoarthritis and instability, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's in-service injuries.

The Board denied service connection for a low back condition and a bilateral knee condition, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to her service-connected ITB Syndrome or active duty service.

The Veteran's left knee disability was previously rated at 10 percent prior to March 1, 2015. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's hypertension claim has been withdrawn. The right ear hearing loss claim remains on appeal and is denied as the evidence does not support a compensable rating.,The chronic lumbosacral strain with left lower rib cage strain, right knee disability prior to February 4, 2016, and splenectomy claims are remanded for further development.,The left knee disability claim remains on appeal and is also remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right knee instability is granted a separate rating of 10 percent. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left knee traumatic arthritis was denied as the limitation of flexion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left knee postoperative residuals of medial arthrotomy with relaxation of the anterior cruciate ligaments was also denied, as he is already in receipt of the maximum schedular rating assignable.