Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for a right knee scar has been dismissed. The Board also remanded the cases regarding ratings for his right and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee condition, lumbar degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis, and acne are all being remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran is seeking increased ratings for her service-connected left knee patellofemoral syndrome and acne. The issues of secondary service connection for the right knee condition and lumbar degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis are also being remanded.

The Board has dismissed the issue of whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen a claim for service connection for left rotator cuff injury. The Veteran's claim of right leg radiculopathy was denied in an August 2010 rating decision, and his claim of left knee disability was reopened but remains remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional evidence and examination regarding the Veteran's right knee disability, specifically needing authorization for private treatment records from Orlando Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of increased rating for left knee residual scars due to a need for a more recent VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right knee disorder, psychiatric disorder, heart disorder, lumbar spine disorder, shoulder disorder, and sleep apnea, were denied as new and material evidence was not presented.

The Veteran's patellar spurs of the right knee were rated at 10% from May 28, 2009 to April 19, 2016. The Veteran's status post total right knee replacement was rated at 30% from June 1, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for neck disorder, left knee disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety, and depression), skin itching disorder, right ear hearing loss, right thigh disorder, right shoulder disorder, and bilateral wrist disorders are all denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.,Right ear hearing loss was not diagnosed for VA purposes.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of arthritis of all joints. Service connection was granted for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and low back disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for her service-connected left knee chondromalacia patella is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the November 2018 VA examination and the need for additional medical records.

The Veteran's right knee disorder and left hip and left knee disorders are granted service connection. His bilateral hearing loss is denied as not related to active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right leg, left leg, right knee, left knee, and back disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition and provide retrospective medical opinions regarding its severity prior to his April 2018 total knee replacement.

The Veteran's right foot condition was rated at a 10 percent disability rating from November 1, 2010 to November 1, 2012. Prior to this period, the evidence did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.,Separate compensation for limitation of flexion of each knee under Diagnostic Codes 5099-5019 and 5260 is not permitted.

The Veteran's shrapnel in the left knee, bilateral shins, and facial scars are found to be at least as likely as not related to service due to combat. The right hip condition is remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for left and right knee disorders, finding that his current conditions are not causally related or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues related to service connection and rating of various conditions, including right and left ankle disorders, gout, wrist pain (carpal tunnel syndrome), knee degenerative joint disease, and allergic rhinitis. The Board has dismissed the appeal due to withdrawal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability and has remanded the issue of an initial compensable rating for his scar at the back of his head.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's use of a left knee brace due to his service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease.

The AOJ awarded initial 10 percent disability ratings for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities and left clavicle fracture, effective February 24, 2014. However, due to a dispute over recoupment of separation pay, the case is remanded.