Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for left wrist tendonitis and residuals of fractured coccyx are denied as there is no current diagnosis or evidence of a disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder torn tendon with tendonitis and bursitis is remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding in-service diagnoses.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow tendonitis, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, torn meniscus, and osteoarthritis, as well as left knee patellofemoral syndrome are all remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding in-service diagnoses.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ankle torn ligament is remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding in-service diagnoses.

For the period prior to January 10, 2017, an increased rating of 20 percent for left knee avascular necrosis and status post high tibial osteotomy was granted.,For the period beginning March 1, 2018, an increased rating of 60 percent for left knee total arthroplasty residuals was granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn by the appellant.,The claim of service connection for right knee condition has been denied due to lack of new and material evidence since the January 2007 rating decision.,The reduction from 20 percent to 10 percent for residuals of right acromioclavicular separation with degenerative joint disease, major was improper as there was no actual improvement in the Veteran's condition.,The claim for a compensable rating for alopecia areata has been denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) is remanded.

The Veteran's low back, bilateral hip, bilateral knee and bilateral ankle disabilities are found to be service-connected due to in-service hard landings and other stresses. The Veteran's prostate cancer is not entitled to a temporary total evaluation or an initial rating higher than 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right knee disorders due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of a right leg tibia fracture was denied as there is no evidence of current disability or functional impairment.,Right knee tendonitis was granted service connection based on in-service diagnosis and symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate statements of reasons and bases in their previous decisions.,Further development is required as there are inconsistencies between the Board's decision and evidence from the Veteran's service records.

The Board granted service connection for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome but denied service connection for right knee osteoarthritis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the existence and etiology of a right ankle disorder, right knee disorder, back disorder, and headaches. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and left ankle osteoarthritis due to inadequate development.

The Board has denied service connection for a right little finger disability and remanded the claims of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, allergic rhinitis, foot fungus (likely athlete's foot), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, thoracolumbar spine (low back) disability, and left shoulder rotator cuff tear with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left and right knee disabilities, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a low back disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss due to a lack of evidence linking his current bilateral hearing loss to noise exposure in service.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, and sinusitis as additional development is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for service-connected allergic rhinitis and for service connection for a left knee disorder due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and an increased rating for degenerative joint disease of the right knee, both rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to undergo VA examinations and obtain additional medical records in order to properly assess his claims of service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss, low back condition, radiculopathy, left knee condition, right knee condition, and right shoulder condition.

The Board has remanded multiple service connection claims due to the need for additional medical records and information.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims for various disabilities. The Veteran's claim for tonsillitis is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. Service connection for migraine headaches is granted due to credible lay and medical evidence showing a history of such headaches during service and since then. Other claims are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, patellofemoral syndrome of the left and right knees, and anxiety disorder are denied. The case is remanded to evaluate the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, back disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and hair bumps due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.