Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of any back disability, thoracic neuritis, left and right knee disabilities, sinus headaches, and major depressive disorder with social anxiety. The effective date for service connection will be determined based on the evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for updated VA examination of the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability. Service connection is granted for right knee and hip arthritis, but entitlement to a compensable rating for the left knee disability remains pending.

The Veteran is appealing the denial of a higher rating for his service-connected right knee disability, specifically from September 18, 2015. The appeal is due to an inadequate examination and failure to consider flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right ankle and left knee disabilities, as well as his claim for SMC based on housebound status due to issues with obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability is service-connected, and his lower back and hip disabilities are also service-connected as secondary to the knee disability. The Board has granted these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection, rating increases, and TDIU due to inadequate opinions in his previous VA examinations. The cases are being returned for further development.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's right knee meniscal tear disability requires a new examination to assess its current severity, as the previous VA examination did not comply with legal requirements. The claim will be remanded for this purpose.

The application to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is denied.,Service connection for a lumbar spine disability is denied.,Service connection for a right knee disability is denied.,Service connection for a left knee disability is denied.,Service connection for bilateral pes planus is granted.,Service connection for plantar fasciitis is denied.,Service connection for COPD is denied.,Service connection for sleep apnea is denied.,Service connection for a libido condition, to include erectile dysfunction, is denied.,Service connection for a disability manifested by insomnia is denied.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted, rendering the appeal moot.,The Veteran withdrew his appeals on multiple other issues.

The Board denied service connection for chronic headaches, sinus disorder, and right knee disorder as there was no evidence of a nexus between the current conditions and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, and a lower back disability as secondary to his service-connected bilateral leg disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and potential need for VA examinations. The issues include neck condition, left knee condition, bilateral foot disability, allergic rhinitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims for service connection for a right knee disability, right shoulder disability, and cervical spine disability. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Board dismissed all appeals due to the appellant's request for withdrawal of the appeals.

The Veteran's left knee disability was granted a 60% rating from November 1, 2012 to August 7, 2013.,The Veteran's right knee disability remains at a 10% rating.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.

The Veteran's right hand fifth metacarpal fracture disability is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are remanded for additional examination to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back disability and right knee DJD are being remanded due to the Veteran failing to attend scheduled VA examinations. The Board will provide another opportunity for the Veteran to attend these examinations.

The Board has restored a 20% rating for left knee instability, effective January 1, 2014, finding that the evidence did not demonstrate improvement in the Veteran's condition under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board has ordered remand due to the need to consider continuity of symptoms for knee disabilities since active duty service.