Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal is granted to grant an initial rating of 20 percent for thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis with IVDS with strain, and separate initial ratings of 20 percent each for left knee osteoarthritis with subluxation and right knee osteoarthritis with subluxation. The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for limitation of motion of the right knee is denied. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for sciatica of the right lower extremity is also denied. The Board has remanded his claims for TDIU and increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral shoulder and knee disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for his right knee patellofemoral syndrome and left foot stress fracture, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for left hip osteoarthritis, but dismissed the appeal of service connection for a left knee disorder due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The right hip osteoarthritis claim is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including arthritis of the elbows and wrists, poor vision, anal fistula, diabetes mellitus, and TDIU. The Veteran will need to undergo a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral elbow and wrist conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance in 2014 is incomplete and requires additional evidence, including records from previous years and a medical opinion regarding the use of his knee brace. The Veteran will be provided with an opportunity to submit this evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and right leg disorder have been reopened. The appeal is denied as the evidence does not support finding that his current right leg disorder was caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's migraines and vertigo are granted as service-connected.,Effective dates for the grants of service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease are denied.,Service connection is granted for a left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder. Effective dates for these conditions are not granted as the Veteran did not file claims prior to July 7, 2014.,The Veteran's hypertension, anxiety, and depression are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional information regarding his left knee disability, as well as an evaluation of whether his right knee condition is aggravated by his service-connected left knee condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip/thigh, right wrist, and bilateral knee disabilities due to failure of the Veteran to report for VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right thigh hematoma, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected right knee disorder.

The Board has found that the issues in the claim cannot be granted in full at this time due to new evidence added to the claims file. The Veteran's left knee disability and pes planus service connection are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for reinstatement of his VA fee-basis ID card, reimbursement for unauthorized private medical services, and reimbursement for expenses incurred at a hospital are being remanded due to the need for additional information and records.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including right and left knee disabilities, a left ankle disability, tinnitus, bronchitis, headaches (secondary to rhinitis), and sleep apnea. The claims are remanded for further development in several areas.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current wrist, knee, and back disabilities are related to his active service. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression secondary to right-sided hypalgesia with loss of sensation. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating of his right knee menisci degeneration, left knee osteoarthritis, lumbar degenerative disc disease, and right hip strain due to inadequate VA examinations. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip disorder, left hip disorder (including osteonecrosis), right knee disorder, and left knee disorder, all of which are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder condition, left knee condition, and right knee condition. The Veteran's claims were not supported by the evidence of record.,There is no credible evidence linking the current diagnosed conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the appellant's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, eye disability, skin disability (pseudofolliculitis barbae), sleep apnea, hypercholesterolemia, heart disability, COPD, lung disability other than COPD, diabetes mellitus, type II, hernia, low back disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, left foot disability, and right foot disability. The claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.