Knee decisions — 2019

The Board has granted the Veteran's appeals to reopen her claims for service connection for a chronic back condition and right knee condition, but has remanded both issues due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for furuncles, migraines, right ankle strain, and right knee strain with shin splints have been remanded due to the need for further investigation into the timing of his initial claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees due to inadequate VA examinations, marked interference with employment from each knee disability, and a need for an extraschedular rating.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a left hip disability, including as secondary to a left knee disability due to lack of a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, left ankle DJD, right ankle DJD, left knee DJD, right knee DJD, left shoulder DJD, and right shoulder DJD. The new evidence provided reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.,The Board has also reopened the Veteran's service connection claim for muscle spasm disorder, IBS, and osteoporosis. However, no rating assigned or effective date was determined as these claims are still pending.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee disabilities, but has remanded the issues of service connection for a left foot disability, right foot disability, left hip disability, and lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for ingrown toenails, bilateral knee condition (osteoarthritis), and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to incomplete VA treatment records and lack of examination. Further development is needed.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for a bilateral knee disability is denied. The Board has also remanded the issues regarding her vertigo and hearing loss, as new examinations are needed.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood is granted as service connected. The right knee and left knee disorders are denied.

The Board granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's right knee instability from September 8, 2011 to July 18, 2017. The disability was found to be moderate in severity.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder strain and left knee strain, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's right knee condition and its potential impact on his left knee are being reviewed due to recent complaints of worsening symptoms. The case is remanded for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for heart defects, diabetes mellitus, bilateral knee disorder, and neurodermatitis/Prurigo Nodularis due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and bilateral shoulder arthritis, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 60 percent from December 1, 2016 to April 7, 2019. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private medical records and developing the TDIU claim.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability and secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spinal cord injury with residual bilateral upper extremity paresis, left ankle condition, right ankle condition, right knee condition, and residuals of a head injury. The decision was based on the lack of current disability for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction is remanded as the VA medical opinion did not address whether it was due to or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to August 16, 2011 is remanded as the schedular requirements were not met and referral to the Director of Compensation Service under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16 (b) is required.,The Veteran's claim for basic eligibility to Chapter 35 Dependents’ Educational Assistance prior to August 16, 2011 is remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,A 10% rating for the right wrist disability from December 2, 2012 is granted. The Veteran also has two painful scars of the right knee that are rated at 10%. However, a higher rating for the right wrist disability remains pending due to additional issues needing clarification.