Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's right knee instability was previously rated separately, but now has been combined with the rating for his total knee arthroplasty. The Board is remanding to obtain a VA examination to assess the current severity of the residuals of the right total knee replacement.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an increased rating to 70%, and she is also granted a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an extension of a temporary total evaluation beyond September 1, 2015 due to her return to work by that date. The appeal is also remanded for further rating actions on other issues related to the service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The issues of service connection for left and right knee disorders, as well as the initial ratings for hypertension and GERD are remanded.

The Veteran withdrew all his appeals, including those related to lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine strain, left knee disability, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability. The appeal for erectile dysfunction was also withdrawn.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received sufficient to reopen the issue of entitlement to service connection for a sleep apnea syndrome. The Veteran's claim is being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis is rated at 10 percent, while his meniscus disability remains at 20 percent. The Board found that separate ratings for these conditions are not warranted.

The Veteran's current degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted as service connected. The issues regarding bilateral knee disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back condition, bilateral knee condition, and ischemic heart disease due to outstanding VA medical records and need for additional examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder, back, and right knee disabilities. The initial rating for PTSD was granted at a 50% level effective November 13, 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but has remanded the issue of service connection for right knee DJD due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to non-compliance with previous directives. Specifically, VA treatment records from the Central Texas VA Health Care System need to be obtained and associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's claim for an increase in his right rotator cuff rating was received on September 28, 2017. The effective date prior to September 28, 2017 for a 20 percent rating is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left knee instability was received on September 28, 2017 and the first evidence of left knee instability of record is in the October 2017 VA knee examination report. The effective date prior to September 28, 2017 for service connection for left knee instability is denied.

The Board denied reopening the claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, bladder and kidney disabilities, PTSD, and hypertension. The appeals are all denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, but the appeals to determine whether these conditions are related to his military service remain pending.

The Veteran's hypertension, right knee condition, and tinnitus claims are remanded for further development. The Board finds that the effective date for service connection of hypertension cannot be earlier than June 1, 2016.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including left knee subluxation, bowel incontinence and rectal prolapse. The Veteran is also seeking an initial evaluation for PTSD.

The Veteran's left knee instability and osteoarthritis are being remanded for further evaluation due to worsening symptoms since her last VA examination.

The Board has granted an effective date of December 22, 2010 for the assignment of a 10 percent rating for left knee arthritis.,The Board has also granted an effective date of December 22, 2010 for the establishment of service connection for major depressive disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left hip disorder, right hip disorder, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), acid reflux, and headaches. The decisions were based on lack of evidence supporting these claims or because they are not related to service.