Knee decisions — 2020

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a nose condition and left knee condition, finding that there is no current disability of these conditions. The Board also found that remand was necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the left knee condition.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic left knee sprain is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, and obtaining a VA opinion to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension. The issues of service connection for back condition, bilateral knee condition, and hypertension remain under consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and disability ratings due to new evidence received after the last statement of the case.

The Veteran's right knee and left hand disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion to determine their etiology.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for arthritis in the left knee, arthritis in the right knee, sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the left foot, and peripheral neuropathy of the right foot due to the appellant's withdrawal of these appeals. The appeal for an increased rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) is dismissed as it was withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, but dismissed the claim for left knee osteoarthritis as there was no request for additional adjudication.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to the submission of additional VA treatment records. The claims will be reviewed again once these records are obtained.

The Board dismissed the appeals as to all issues related to service connection due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury. The Veteran's current condition is rated at its highest possible level (100%).

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her left knee disability was remanded due to the failure to reschedule a necessary examination. The case is now being returned for further action.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine, right wrist, and left wrist disabilities are each rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Board finds no basis to grant higher ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder is denied as the effective date cannot be earlier than August 7, 2017.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral ankle disabilities are remanded as there was no formal or informal claim received prior to August 7, 2017.,The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee is granted and the issue is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, right knee disability, left knee disability, loss of pigmentation, right hand disability, and left hand disability as the evidence did not support a finding that any current disabilities began during or were related to service.

Service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine is granted, while service connection for a right knee disability is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right tibia fracture was denied. The claim for TDIU from November 7, 2008 to April 9, 2012 was granted.

The Board has granted a separate evaluation of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, to include painful motion. The Veteran's request for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left knee disability and compensable evaluation for scar disability is denied.

The Veteran's left knee extension condition is granted a 30 percent rating throughout the appeal. The Veteran also receives TDIU benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions regarding his diabetes and amputation. The Court found that the Board did not provide adequate reasons or bases for favoring the June 2016 VA examiner’s opinion over other positive private and VA nexus opinions.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee condition was granted, and he is now receiving a 20% disability rating. The appeal regarding the hip condition is being remanded.