Knee decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee DJD, iron deficiency anemia, muscle contraction headaches, leiomyomas of the uterus, left foot bunion deformity, and primary insomnia are all denied. The Veteran is currently receiving a 10% rating for her left knee DJD from August 2014 onwards.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed left knee disability. The claim is also reopened due to new evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for recurrent chronic sinusitis (also claimed as allergic rhinitis) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but denied service connection for a right knee condition. The decision is based on the evidence showing that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for hypertension, initial increased rating for degenerative joint disease of the right knee, and a neck disability. The Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his military service.

The Veteran has withdrawn all appeals regarding higher initial disability ratings for various orthopedic conditions.,No new evidence or changes in the Veteran's condition have been presented, and no further development is required.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for her left knee condition is remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an examination to determine the current nature and severity of her service-connected disability.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disorder, hearing loss, and right knee disorder. The decision is based on the lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's depression is granted as secondary to his service-connected DDD of the thoracolumbar spine. Service connection for left and right knee disabilities remains denied, but a higher evaluation (40%) is granted for DDD of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records. The right ankle, bilateral knee, GERD, hypertension, sinus condition, and loss of sense of smell issues are all under review.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, and TDIU.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date for TDIU prior to October 26, 2009 based on the evidence showing that the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability and associated depressive symptoms made him unable to work before this date.

The Board has restored the Veteran's disability evaluation for residuals, left total knee replacement from 30% to 60%, finding no improvement in his condition that would warrant a reduction.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection, evaluation of disabilities, and exposure basis. The Veteran's claims are not decided at this time.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA treatment records from 1990-1993, and for an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his right knee disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and an addendum opinion addressing flare-ups.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for dental disability (claimed as teeth trauma) is denied. The Board has also remanded the issue of an increased rating for right knee osteoarthritis due to missing VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran is found eligible for a TDIU beginning October 1, 2009. The Board also remanded the cases for further examination and consideration of SMC based on need for aid and attendance or loss of use.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected knee disabilities. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and right knee disability are denied, but the Veteran receives a higher rating for left knee instability.

The Veteran's left knee DJD with limitation of motion (extension) is rated at 10 percent, and a separate rating for left knee instability associated with left knee DJD prior to June 27, 2019 is granted. The Veteran's left knee instability is not rated higher than 10 percent from June 27, 2019 to October 6, 2019 and denied from October 7, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate examinations and failure to consider all relevant evidence.