Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings in excess of the current ratings for his back, left knee, and left toe conditions is remanded due to procedural issues with a previous reduction decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been granted. The claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right knee disability and TDIU have been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee strain and instability have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition at any time.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear examination findings and a need for additional VA examination.

The Veteran's ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, as well as his lumbar spine disability, were reduced. The Board found that the reductions were improper and restored the original ratings of 30% for the right knee, 20% for the left knee, and 40% for the lumbar spine. The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and the appeal for a higher rating remains pending. The right ankle disability was remanded due to insufficient examination findings.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on multiple disabilities have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the service connection claims for various knee and ankle conditions, hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep apnea. The appellant's military duties are believed to have contributed to her current disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been withdrawn. The Board is remanding the remaining claims due to lack of a final decision and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, finding no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service.

The appeal of several issues has been remanded for further evaluation. The Veteran's PTSD claim is reopened and service connection is granted, but the right knee and teeth ratings are still under review.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left knee degenerative joint disease with scar, and an increased rating for a left wrist disability due to inadequate examination findings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee condition, to include right knee strain, was granted. The claims for increased rating on left shoulder disability and service connection for pes planus are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that her service-connected conditions do not preclude her from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's knee braces and pain cream have caused wear and tear to his clothing, meeting the criteria for an annual clothing allowance in 2017.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim for service connection for a right knee disability is granted. The case is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of any current right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if service connection can be established for right knee, left knee, and back conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for VR&E benefits as he is successfully pursuing a Juris Doctor degree and has transferable skills that make him suitable for employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back and bilateral knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence, including a lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea has been reopened. The Board finds new and material evidence to support the reopening of his claim, but remands for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his sleep apnea.