Knee decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the claims for increased ratings for left and right knee disabilities, as well as for post phlebitic syndrome of the left leg, need to be remanded due to inadequate development. The Veteran will undergo additional VA examinations to assess the severity of his knee conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for residuals of a head injury, other than left eyebrow scar and headaches is denied. The Veteran's claims for compensable ratings for his scars and pseudofolliculitis barbae, as well as his claims for service connection for his knee disabilities, left ankle fracture, headaches, skin condition of the feet, and acquired psychiatric disorder are all remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an extraschedular rating for his left knee disorder based on difficulty sleeping, finding that the schedular ratings assigned were adequate to describe his disability level and symptomatology.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by arthritis with limited flexion and instability, has not met the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran is entitled to a separate 20 percent rating for his left knee instability.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but the Board has granted a separate compensable rating of 20 percent for his semilunar cartilage conditions starting May 20, 2011.,The Veteran's right knee disability warrants a separate compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5258 due to frequent episodes of joint locking and pain.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are rated at 20 percent each, effective from April 1, 2015.

The Veteran's right knee chondromalacia was granted service connection. Service connection for left knee disorder, low back disorder, and thyroid disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's right knee condition and PTSD are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's awards for service connection for various knee and shoulder conditions, as well as sinusitis, were granted with an effective date of August 12, 2011. The Veteran appealed the effective dates.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability is related to his service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service connection for headaches is granted. The issue of right knee disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding private treatment records and a need for a VA examination regarding his arthritic disabilities.

The Board has remanded three claims: service connection for right hip, knee, and foot disabilities as secondary to service-connected degenerative arthrosis of the lumbar spine. The claims are being remanded due to inadequate nexus opinions provided after VA examinations in August 2019.

The Board has restored the Veteran's right knee disability rating from 10 percent to 40 percent effective July 1, 2016. The case is remanded for a VA examination of the Veteran's right knee disability.

The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent, the minimum rating allowed for painful motion. The evidence does not show that flexion was limited to less than 45 degrees or extension to less than 10 degrees during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the claims for left knee strain, right knee strain, PTSD, lower back pain, sleep problems, and bronchitis due to incomplete medical records and inadequate examination reports.,Specifically, the Veteran's complete medical records must be obtained, including VA treatment records since December 2014. A new VA examination is required for her knees, PTSD, low back condition, sleep disorder, and respiratory disorders.

The Veteran's chronic obstructive sleep apnea is found to have had its onset during his period of active duty, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to unclear periods of service and need for clarification on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric condition, right knee condition, neck condition, Peyronie's disease, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's right knee and left hip disabilities have been granted initial ratings, with the right knee receiving a separate rating for painful extension.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, neck disorder, and left knee disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.,The Veteran submitted medical literature suggesting no increased prevalence of radiological osteoarthrosis in parachutists, but this evidence is not probative as it pertains specifically to the Veteran's case.