Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left knee strain with degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and testing.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination in September 2011, and a new examination is needed to determine if there is a relationship between the right knee disorder during service and current treatment.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations are needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected conditions and to address his reports of flare-ups. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's left knee disorder and his service-connected left ankle chronic sprain status post Brostrom reconstruction, as well as other relevant factors.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for an increased level of SMC based on need for higher level of aid and attendance.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's left knee disability, including meniscus tear and degenerative joint disease, is also granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right knee arthritis, right ankle lateral collateral ligament strain, and left epididymal cyst were not granted initial compensable ratings. The service-connected obstructive sleep apnea was granted a rating of 50 percent.

The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral syndrome and mild instability are rated at 10% each, while her total replacement arthroplasty is denied. The case for the right ankle fracture remains pending.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection are not supported by the current medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed due to withdrawal of the claims by the Veteran during his November 2018 Board hearing.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for IHD and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for IHD prior to November 3, 2011 or from November 3, 2011 to November 12, 2013, and that he was not entitled to a TDIU prior to November 3, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the nature and origin of her low back, right knee, and acquired psychiatric disabilities. The claims will be reviewed again with new medical opinions addressing causation and aggravation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as incomplete vocational rehabilitation folders. The Veteran is also required to undergo VA examinations for her lumbar spine and left knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right knee and solar urticaria.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations for right knee disorder, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, type II were inadequate as they did not provide opinions on whether these conditions are aggravated by service-connected left knee disorder, hypothyroidism, respectively. The cases are being remanded to obtain further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions of in-service injury or disease related to his current conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral foot corns and callosities, headaches, arthritis (both knees), and major depressive disorder are all granted service connection. The Veteran's bilateral shoulder disabilities remain denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding it at least as likely as not associated with the Veteran's hearing loss in his right ear. The claims for right knee disability and hearing loss in left ear remain denied.

The Veteran's claim for osteoporosis of the bilateral upper extremities is denied as he does not have a current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claims for left and right knee conditions are denied as he does not have a current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claims for left and right ankle conditions are denied as he does not have a current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claim for temporal arteritis is denied as he does not have a current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claim for sinusitis is granted, with the condition beginning during his active service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and higher ratings was dismissed due to withdrawal. The RO granted a 20% rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, PTSD prior to May 21, 2012, and TDIU.