Knee decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination as there is insufficient evidence to make a determination on the claims.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for additional record development due to incomplete treatment records and personnel records. The Veteran is asked to provide a list of all facilities where she received treatment, especially during Officer Candidate School at Ft. Rucker. An examination will be scheduled to determine if her knee and back disorders are related to service.

The claim for VA compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of left shoulder surgery is reopened, and the appeal is granted in part. The claims for increased ratings for left knee disability and PTSD are remanded.

The Veteran's COPD and psychiatric disorder were denied as they did not onset in service or were not caused by his service.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep disorder, neurological disorder, and arthritis was also denied due to lack of evidence showing these conditions are related to service.,An increased rating for macular mottling from July 30, 2014 to December 1, 2017 was granted at a 50% level but the Veteran's claim for a higher rating is still pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete examinations and lack of consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to assess whether all service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral knee and shoulder conditions, neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, and low back pain, warrant the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability from January 31, 2013. He is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status since November 26, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and no new or material evidence was submitted for the claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, bilateral knee condition, and hypertension. The VA examinations were inadequate as they did not consider the lay statements of record. A new VA opinion is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran’s conditions with consideration of his fellow serviceman's statement.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder) due to lack of probative evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's left shoulder, right shoulder, degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, left hip, right hip, and knee osteoarthritis are all granted service connection as they were related to in-service parachute jumps.,The Veteran's countable income exceeds the maximum annual pension rate for a Veteran with one dependent.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues, including service connection for various conditions and evaluations of his disabilities. The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to properly assess the nature and etiology of these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for his service-connected right and left knee disabilities due to a lack of recent VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to various disabilities, including a right knee disability that was reopened due to new and material evidence. The rating for bilateral pes planus remains at 30 percent. Other claims are pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of hypertension has been reopened, and the claim is granted. Effective dates are assigned for the grant of service connection for left knee strain, right knee strain, and headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for erectile dysfunction was reopened, but a higher rating is denied due to the amputation rule.,His right knee disability remains at 80 percent disabling, and his major depressive disorder without psychotic features continues to be rated as 70 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of evidence showing a relationship between his conditions and military service. The Board has determined that additional examination is needed in several cases, including left great toe condition, left knee condition, and pharyngitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right ankle sprain and left knee repairs due to inadequate VA examinations, lack of functional impairment assessment during flare-ups or repeated use, and need for new evidence.

The Veteran's appeals were dismissed as he withdrew his appeal for certain rating claims and the notice of disagreement regarding service connection was not timely filed.