Knee decisions — 2019

The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened, and the appeal is granted. The claims of service connection for right knee disorder and low back disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded several claims due to the need for further development and examination. The main issues are related to service connection, rating higher than 30 percent for bilateral pes planus, and psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for anemia is denied as there is no evidence of an in-service onset or chronic disability.,For the period prior to July 2, 2018, the Veteran’s bilateral hearing loss disability was not compensable. From July 2, 2018 onwards, a rating in excess of 10 percent is denied as there is no evidence of additional disability beyond what would be expected from normal progression.,The Veteran's left leg and right leg disorders are remanded for further evaluation due to secondary service connection issues.,Service connection for the left knee disorder and right knee disorder remains unresolved.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to outstanding VA treatment records, private and Federal records related to motor vehicle accidents, and a need for additional examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for service-connected surgical scars of the right knee has been dismissed due to a withdrawal request by the Veteran's representative.

The Board has remanded the claims for a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's right knee, left knee, and hypertension disabilities. The Veteran's claim for service connection for right kidney cancer due to herbicide agent exposure was previously denied and not reopened.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic fatigue, sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are granted. The claims for bilateral hip, knee, and ankle conditions are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee and ankle conditions due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disorder and right knee disorder, but denied service connection for his right inguinal hernia. The claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected right total knee replacement, scar residuals of a laceration of the right calf and scar, status post right total knee replacement, and tinnitus have been granted effective February 27, 2013.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress is granted a 70% rating on and after March 27, 2017. The Board finds the evidence most consistent with a 70% disability rating for depression throughout the period on appeal. Service connection for back, left knee, and sleep apnea disabilities are remanded due to incomplete records and insufficient nexus opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his knee disabilities and adjustment disorder, as well as his claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to a lack of pertinent treatment records in the file.

All claims for service connection have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.

The Veteran's initial rating for allergic rhinitis is granted before March 27, 2015. The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbar spine disability, bilateral knee condition, and bilateral leg condition are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for various disabilities, including sleep disorder, respiratory disorder, acne scar disability, right shoulder disability, thoracolumbar spine (back) disability, left and right wrist disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, shin splints, and ankle disabilities have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and right knee disorder have been reopened, but the issues are being remanded due to incomplete records and need further development.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on his right elbow, hip, knee, and lumbar disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent and the Board has remanded for further development regarding a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating on his service-connected left hip and left knee disabilities has been dismissed because the Veteran withdrew all issues currently on appeal.