Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain recent medical records for his service-connected knee and ankle disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and did not reopen the previously denied claims for right hip, left knee, and right knee disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for a left shoulder disability and remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been assigned an effective date of January 1, 2017, which is the day after his separation from active duty.,The Veteran has filed a claim for earlier effective dates for various service-connected conditions. The Board finds that these claims are denied as the earliest possible effective date allowed by law is January 1, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder as secondary to a service-connected right knee disability. The claims for neck, vertigo, hypertension, and gastroparesis have been denied. The requests to reopen previously denied claims for left hip and left knee disabilities are remanded. Special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, including residuals of a left knee injury and/or meniscal tear, has been reopened. The Board finds that the VA medical opinion is inadequate and remands the case for a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was denied as he does not have a current disability. The right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome rating was also denied as the evidence did not show any additional functional impairment warranting an increased rating.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is rated at 10 percent prior to October 11, 2016 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter. The right knee disability is rated at 10 percent prior to December 13, 2016 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's PTSD and depression/anxiety are remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding records and a need for an examination. The issues include left knee, right knee, right shoulder, bilateral hip, insomnia, and heart disability (mitral valve prolapse).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of Social Security Administration records, which need to be obtained.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted from March 2013 to April 2015.,The Veteran's TDIU is denied from May 2015 to June 2018.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional medical opinions to clarify the etiology of the Veteran's claimed low back, bilateral knee, and respiratory disabilities. The issues are still pending as service connection is being considered on the merits.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of left total knee arthroplasty, residuals of right total knee arthroplasty, low back condition, and GERD were denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for sleep apnea was granted as it developed because or was aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral knee disabilities, cervical spine disability, pes planus and related foot disabilities, tinnitus, and a respiratory condition. The decision also notes that VA treatment records are incomplete and requests for additional medical records should be made.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and arranging for new examinations of his knee, hip, ankle, and back disabilities. The VA will also arrange for an examination to assess the current level of severity of his service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.

The Board has decided to remand three issues related to the Veteran's right ankle and knee disorders due to insufficient information regarding functional limitations caused after repeated use over time or during flare-ups. The Veteran will need a new VA examination.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, including degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis, is granted. The appeals for service connection for bilateral knee, ankle, foot and toe disabilities are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination due to inadequate reasons and bases in previous decisions, particularly regarding left knee and hip disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. His lumbar spine and right knee conditions, as well as his sinusitis and irritable bowel syndrome are denied due to lack of in-service incurrence or relationship.