Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied in April 2011 due to lack of evidence linking the condition to his active duty. The Board has now remanded the case for further examination and review, as well as a new rating decision.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee condition, bilateral foot condition and hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee condition.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease. The case was remanded for further development regarding the increased rating claim and TDIU.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, finding that the Veteran's range of motion was not limited to a degree warranting a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disabilities, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, residuals of a head injury (including vertigo and headaches), and neck disability due to outstanding treatment records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his left knee flexion and extension did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from maintaining gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is not entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's left knee disorder was not previously service-connected, and the effective date for a 20% disability evaluation is set as of April 23, 2015.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU rating and eligibility for DEA benefits since March 26, 2015 due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder) due to additional development being necessary.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and remanded the noninitial increased rating claims for lumbar disability and bilateral knee disabilities. The claims are now pending again.

The Board has denied service connection for a right knee scar and a right hamstring muscle tear, finding that the evidence does not support a causal relationship between these conditions and active service.

The Board has determined that new VA examinations are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of right shoulder, bilateral knee, and bilateral hand disabilities due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity and functional impact of the Veteran's right knee scar, particularly during flare-ups.

The Board has found that remand is warranted due to the need for additional examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 5, 2015 for the initial grant of service connection for right knee instability is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connected right knee strain with degenerative arthritis is also denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, right knee, left knee, and left shoulder disabilities. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for back, right knee, right hip, and right wrist disorders due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any other basis.

The Veteran's appeal involves two issues: (1) reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private orthopedic clinic on June 3, 2013; and (2) prior authorization for non-VA medical services provided to the Veteran on May 16 and 17, 2013. The Board finds that additional evidence is needed in both cases.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.