Knee decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the cases due to conflicting findings on instability in the January 2017 VA examination report, and a new examination is required.

The claims for service connection for glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis (claimed as left shoulder disability) and right shoulder impingement syndrome with glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis are denied. The claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee and right knee are granted.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder dislocation and DJD of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence of aggravation during service. Service connection for bilateral knee disability was also denied as there is insufficient evidence of a current diagnosis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU, finding that he was engaged in substantial gainful employment prior to October 21, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused his obesity, which in turn caused his sleep apnea.

The claim for service connection of the left knee condition, claimed as arthritis with a torn meniscus is granted. The Veteran's current left knee issues are not considered to have begun during active service or be related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's left knee disability and muscle injury are being remanded for further evaluation as the current ratings do not fully account for his symptoms.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her left and right knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence from a recent VA examination conducted in the morning. The Veteran should be scheduled for another examination, preferably in the afternoon.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for pseudofolliculitis barbae, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, left heel spur, and erectile dysfunction have been withdrawn. The Board has not found a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae.,The Veteran’s acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) is remanded for further examination and opinion. His right ankle tendonitis and bilateral knee disabilities are also remanded for additional examinations to determine the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current left knee disorder and his service, as well as its relation to his right knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether he experienced any of the claimed disabilities as a result of VA negligence/lack of care in providing surgical treatment in March 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ankle and knee disorders are related to service, but more information is needed regarding the onset of these conditions.

The Veteran's right foot, bilateral knee, and vaginitis and pelvic inflammatory disease disabilities are granted. The Veteran's left knee disability is also granted. A rating of 30 percent for vaginitis and pelvic inflammatory disease is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to concerns about the timing and appropriateness of VA treatment for a bacterial infection, left foot ulcer with gangrene, or osteomyelitis that may have led to his current disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to her service-connected disabilities, finding that there was no evidence showing she is unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his failure to appear for scheduled VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left and right knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is also being asked to provide updated VA treatment records, including from Dr. W.S.W., and a VA examination will be scheduled.

The Veteran's ratings for left and right knee medial instability were reduced to zero percent effective November 1, 2016. The Board has restored the prior 10 percent ratings.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate VA examination for the Veteran's right knee disability.

The appeal was dismissed because the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal.