Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected right knee, bilateral pes planus, and lumbar spine strain disabilities are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and treatment records.

The appeal to reopen a claim for service connection for a right knee disability is granted. The claim of entitlement to service connection for sinusitis is remanded.

The Veteran's DJD and meniscal tear of the right knee were found to have started during service, with continuity of symptoms since then. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran withdrew all his appeals before the Board regarding service connection for cervical spine strain with arthritis, left and right upper extremity numbness and pain, a bilateral knee disorder, and residuals of a right ankle sprain.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination opinions regarding whether the left knee disability is related to service and if it is caused or aggravated by other service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hallux valgus and an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the right knee due to insufficient opinions regarding secondary theories of entitlement, as well as inadequate examination findings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a lower back disability and right knee disability due to lack of VA examination, continuous symptomatology since service, and additional relevant evidence added after the October 2018 Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's appeal of the denial of a rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD is remanded.,The appeals of service connection for post-traumatic changes of the mid-left femur, right hip arthritis, and left knee disability are dismissed due to inadequate substantive appeals.,The appeals of service connection for right knee disability and TBI are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Right Knee Disability claim has been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.,Claims for involuntary muscle spasms affecting the arms, legs, and feet, weakness, chronic fatigue, respiratory distress, decreased cognitive functioning, dizziness, constipation (IBS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have all been denied. These claims are being remanded to allow further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal regarding the recoupment of separation pay for various disabilities, finding that VA was required to withhold this amount from his disability compensation benefits as per law.

The Veteran's claim of an increased rating for his left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right and left knee disabilities due to new evidence obtained since the last examination, including updated treatment records. The case will be readjudicated with consideration of whether separate ratings are warranted under different Diagnostic Codes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for low back pain and TDIU due to incomplete records, including those from June 2018. A VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's increased rating for left total knee replacement and TDIU claims need to be remanded due to inadequate examination, missing records, and unclear employment history.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings in excess of 20 percent for left and right knee disabilities from March 27, 2018. The claims were also denied for entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for left and right knee disabilities from February 20, 2009 to March 27, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations. The issues include right shoulder tendonitis, left knee degenerative joint disease, left knee instability, and right knee chondromalacia with degenerative changes.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are being remanded for additional examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been granted a higher rating from May 17, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and the need for a new one.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claims for bilateral knee disability and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, adjustment disorder with alcohol use disorder) is granted. The claim for service connection for bilateral knee disability is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for dermatophytosis tinea corporis. The remaining issues have been remanded for further examination and medical opinions.