Knee decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a left knee disorder and a right knee disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 20 percent from September 8, 2016 through October 16, 2017 for a meniscus tear and is now granted a 60 percent rating from December 1, 2018 to March 19, 2019. A 100 percent rating was granted effective March 20, 2019 due to the need for prosthetic replacement of the right knee joint.

The Board has granted an initial 30 percent rating for sinusitis prior to August 28, 2013. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating is denied since August 28, 2013. Other issues are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for migraines, lumbar spine disorder, and right knee disorder due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed again as new medical examinations are needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to incongruities in the examination report and medical opinion, as well as insufficient evidence regarding his claimed conditions. The claims will be further evaluated with additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder strain, lower back strain, bilateral knee strain, and sleep apnea. The claims for bilateral leg lymphedema and COPD are remanded due to the need for a medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and right knee disorder have been dismissed as the appeals were withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been granted, with an effective date of January 13, 2011. The other claims have been remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of right knee osteoarthritis, finding that there was no nexus between his in-service injury and current disability.

The Veteran's right wrist disorder and bilateral hearing loss claims have been dismissed.,Initial evaluations of 10 percent for service-connected right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome (RKPFS) and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome (LKPFS) are granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea, migraines, a neck disability, a pulmonary disability, bilateral knee disabilities, hernia, sciatic nerve disability, bilateral foot disabilities, frostbite, and hypertension. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to missed VA examinations. The Veteran and his representative have provided updated contact information, but attempts to schedule the necessary examinations were not successful.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee arthritis and denied service connection for a skin disability of the left hand. The decision is based on evidence showing current symptoms since service, meeting the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to the ratings for various service-connected disabilities and several other claims. The case is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need to obtain additional information regarding the Veteran’s ability to care for himself.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and low back disorder, as well as his claim for TDIU due to an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee condition, finding that there was no evidence to support direct service connection and that the current condition is not related to any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim of service connection for a left arm or shoulder disorder was granted, and the appeal is granted to this extent only. The initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for right knee DJD based on limited range of motion and left knee DJD based on limited range of motion are denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran’s back condition was last evaluated in August 2014, and further examination is needed to determine its current severity. Additionally, the issue of TDIU must be remanded for proper development.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,Her migraines headaches are currently rated at 50 percent from June 11, 2007 to January 21, 2016 and at 30 percent since then.