Knee decisions — 2020

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability secondary to his right knee disability should be remanded due to inadequate rationale in the previous VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of hands, arms, knees, shoulders, and back, as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions that he had these conditions during or due to his time in service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability, including evaluations for radiculopathy in both lower extremities and left knee strain. The evaluation of right common peroneal nerve residuals is also remanded.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and treatment records to address the Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various orthopedic and psychiatric conditions due to incomplete records and a need to verify one of his claimed inservice stressors.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder as a result of military sexual trauma (MST), bilateral foot tendonitis, and other issues. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible statements regarding her symptoms and medical records that support these findings.

The Veteran's right knee disability resulted in recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, limitation of flexion, and pain and effusion. The Board granted a 20 percent rating for recurrent subluxation or lateral instability and a 10 percent rating for limitation of flexion from April 2009 forward.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status was denied because his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC, as he is not in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal for service connection of hypertension, leaving only right hip and right knee disorders. The Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Board has determined that more development is needed in the form of additional medical examinations and opinions for the Veteran's claims regarding tension headaches, respiratory condition, and right knee disability. The appeals are being remanded to allow for this further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and requests for a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). The Veteran's appeal is now pending with the AOJ.

The Veteran's left knee disorder is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if the fall at the VA facility caused an additional disability and if it was reasonably foreseeable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right ear hearing loss due to insufficient notice of the August 2017 supplemental statement of the case. The Veteran is also entitled to a new VA audiological examination to determine the current severity of his right and left hearing loss.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of right knee and ankle disabilities before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, and separate ratings of 20 percent are granted for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an eye disorder, bilateral shoulder strain, elbow arthritis, hand arthritis, and knee arthritis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding both direct and secondary service connection, as well as aggravation. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left knee conditions due to insufficient medical evidence in the record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations. The issues include entitlement to increased ratings for left ankle and right knee disabilities, as well as a TDIU.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including DJD and meniscal tears, has been rated based on limitation of motion. The appeal is denied as the criteria for higher ratings are not met.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his service-connected disabilities, as well as for potential new evidence related to hearing loss, sciatica, and respiratory disabilities.