Knee decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for right hip, right knee, and left knee disabilities as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred during or due to military service.

The Veteran's initial rating for his right and left knee disabilities has been denied, with separate ratings assigned for limitation of flexion in each knee. A higher rating is not granted due to the severity of the disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and hypertension, finding that there is not enough evidence to support these claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for back, left knee, and right knee disabilities. The issues are being returned to the Board due to a lack of adequate medical opinions in the previous decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence received since the July 2016 supplemental statement of the case. The appeal is now pending again, and a VA examination is required to address the etiology of his bilateral foot and knee disorders, sleep apnea, and seizure disorder based on presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left eye nuclear sclerosis with cataracts, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus to in-service injury or disease. The issue of service connection for bilateral knee condition is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for myopia and astigmatism, thoracolumbar spine disorder, acquired mental disorders (including PTSD), right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient examination reports and incomplete evidence. The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral shin splints/knee strain, and IBS.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate examination and incomplete service treatment records. The Veteran's knee disability is considered for service connection, but a new examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for back and knee problems due to incomplete VA examinations. The Veteran's lay statements regarding combat injuries and private treatment are accepted, but an addendum opinion is needed from a clinician to consider these factors.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbosacral degenerative disc disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and right knee strain are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of outstanding private treatment records.

The Board has denied the claim for service connection for a right leg injury, including right knee degenerative joint disease, as there is no evidence that the current condition was incurred or aggravated during ACDUTRA service.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability (depression and anxiety) and right knee disability have been granted service connection.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for left knee and right leg disabilities due to withdrawal of appeal. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee chondromalacia patella with meniscal tear was denied, but a separate 20 percent rating for locking of the right knee is granted effective June 7, 2013.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including his residuals of a medial meniscectomy and post-traumatic degenerative joint disease, is rated based on limitation of motion. The appeal includes issues related to service connection for left knee disability and TDIU, which are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding the evidence in equipoise as to whether these conditions began during or are otherwise related to military service.,Service connection was also granted for ischemic heart disease on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities have been rated, and the Board has granted a separate rating of 10 percent for limitation of extension of his right knee. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected right shoulder sprain, left knee chondromalacia, and right knee chondromalacia were denied. The esophageal spasms claim was also denied.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the previous remand directive and thus, another remand is required to ensure all relevant evidence is obtained and considered. The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records and an inadequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability has precluded him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since November 1, 2012 to January 23, 2014.