Knee decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the July 2018 examination report and a need for additional examinations. The Veteran's right knee disability, including his scar associated with total knee replacement, needs further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board has remanded four cases related to the Veteran's use of knee and wrist braces, as there is insufficient information regarding the specific models of braces issued by VA.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on several service-connected conditions has been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development as the opinions provided in the February 2016 VA audiological evaluation are inadequate. Specifically, a new medical opinion is needed to reconcile discrepancies in the Veteran’s audiograms during service and his conceded exposure to hazardous noise during service on the nature and etiology of his current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The appeal to reopen service connection for PTSD was granted, along with other claims related to various disabilities. The effective date remains pending as it is not specified in the decision.

The Board dismissed the appeals for initial compensable ratings for various conditions as the appellant requested withdrawal of these issues.

The Veteran's low back DDD was granted a rating of 40 percent, but no higher, prior to March 3, 2009. From March 3, 2009 to November 16, 2011, the Veteran received a 40 percent rating for his low back DDD. Since July 17, 2015, he was denied any higher ratings. The left knee patellofemoral arthritis and right knee patellofemoral arthritis were granted separate ratings based on their specific manifestations.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a bilateral knee disability have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, finding that the Veteran's current back pain is not related to his military service and was not manifested within one year following separation from service.,The Board granted service connection for a left knee disability, finding that the Veteran's in-service complaints of knee pain are indicative of a chronic condition that first manifested during an active period of service.

The Board denied the petition to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for a left knee disability, finding that new and material evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for a right hip disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left hip and left knee conditions. The rating for arthritis of the left hip remains at 30 percent, and the rating for left chondromalacia patella is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis and medial meniscus tear, bilateral tinnitus, and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and diabetes mellitus, finding no evidence of in-service injury or exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's hypertension was also denied an increased rating.,Service connection for the right knee disability and diabetes were not granted due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's right knee DJD is rated at 10 percent, and a separate 10 percent rating for instability is granted. A 10 percent rating is also assigned for the right hand DJD with residual scar.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence, and will be reconsidered after further review.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left and right knee conditions, finding that they are secondary to his service-connected prostate cancer radiation treatment. The issue of service connection for a right jaw condition is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence regarding functional loss and additional examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left and right knee conditions, lower chest pain, and upper abdominal pain due to lack of a current diagnosis in some cases and insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The case is being remanded to ensure full compliance with the contested claims procedures, including providing the Veteran and his attorney a copy of a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC).