Knee decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for rhinitis has been denied as there was no prior claim received before February 23, 2012.,The Veteran's initial rating for rhinitis is also denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for his left and right knee disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not show that his conditions warrant ratings higher than the currently assigned 10 percent and 20 percent disability evaluations prior to December 3, 2019 and from December 3, 2019 respectively.

The Veteran is granted a higher level of SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(p) based on his ischemic heart disease and other service-connected disabilities, but not for the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claim for a higher rating for right knee patellar femoral pain syndrome due to deficiencies in the July 2019 VA examination report. The Veteran is required to provide additional evidence and undergo another VA examination.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, with the decision being on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The right and left knee disability claims are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with its prior remand directives, specifically regarding a determination on direct causation for the Veteran's right knee disability.

The Board has remanded several issues for further examination and opinion, including service connection claims related to various musculoskeletal conditions, hearing loss, vision loss, and skin conditions. The heart condition claim was denied as there is no evidence of a current heart condition or any relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, lumbosacral spine, and left knee based on range of motion. The appeal is being returned to the RO for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, including an extraschedular consideration. The decision is pending and more evidence may be needed.

The Board denied a claim for an increased rating for right knee arthritis, finding that the Veteran's disability was productive of painful and limited motion. The current 10 percent rating is maintained.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions regarding his left shoulder, left knee, and low back disabilities. The claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded three claims related to the Veteran's right knee disability due to potential increase in severity since his last evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and knee disorders due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability remains denied as his range of motion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities, including right knee and bilateral hip conditions.

The Veteran's left knee disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his condition and provide necessary range of motion measurements.

The Board has denied service connection for a left wrist condition and remanded the right knee condition due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various joint and skin conditions in his lower legs, hands, shoulders, elbows, and knees. The AOJ is instructed to attempt to obtain the Veteran’s missing service treatment records and VA treatment records from December 2016 onwards.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 20 percent for left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear with residual scars, and separate ratings of 10 percent each for painful motion during extension (DC 5261) and left knee instability. The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the left knee is rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.