Knee decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected internal derangement with mild degenerative changes of the left and right knees have been rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has determined that additional or higher ratings are not warranted based on flexion limited to 30 degrees or less or extension limited to 10 degrees or more.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee disabilities, right knee disabilities, and right-sided neuropathy. The decision also notes that the Veteran's current right-sided neuropathy may be a symptom of her service-connected migraines.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right knee pain, right shoulder condition, gum disease and jaw clicking due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder have been granted. Service connection is also established for a left knee condition.,However, the claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied, and the claim for COPD and asthma requires further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to noncompliance with prior remand instructions, specifically regarding a VA examination for a right knee disability. The examiner was instructed to consider evidence of osteophytosis from an MRI and the Veteran's lay statements.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate etiology opinions provided by VA examiners. The Veteran's right knee disorder is found not to have pre-existed service, and a new opinion is needed regarding whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disorder.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for right wrist CTS and left knee patellofemoral syndrome have been reopened. The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the current diagnosis and etiology of the Veteran’s knee conditions, including patellofemoral syndrome, and his wrist condition, including CTS.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee scars and status post total left knee arthroplasty are granted with specific disability ratings.

The Veteran's hypertension, back disability, and right knee meniscal tear are rated at the minimum levels allowed by law. The Veteran is granted a separate rating for his right knee condition but denied an increased rating for his back disability. His PTSD is initially granted a total rating effective from May 23, 2016.

The Veteran's service connection claims for multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and temporary total evaluations have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals prior to the Board’s decision.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further examinations due to incomplete evaluations and the need for clarification of functional limitations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for various conditions, including right and left foot disabilities, lumbar strain, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, TBI, left knee condition, right knee condition, and migraine headaches. The issues include determining whether pre-existing bilateral pes planus worsened during service and whether current plantar wart conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left knee disability and service connection for PTSD has been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus and sleep apnea has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disorders are not related to her active service, and thus denied her claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination for determining the severity of the Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the other issues due to new evidence received.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a low back condition, arthritis of legs, degenerative arthritis of knees, glaucoma of the right eye, rash on scrotum, penis, buttocks, shoulders, and arms, and residuals of head injury. The evidence received since previous decisions did not meet the criteria to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current disability meeting the VA definition of hearing loss.,Service connection for tinnitus has been granted based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's right knee strain is rated at 10% and a separate rating for painful flexion of the right knee is granted effective December 6, 2010.,Service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and sleep apnea are both remanded.