Knee decisions — 2020

The claims for service connection for high cholesterol, hearing loss (right ear), chronic lumbar spine disability (back condition), sleep condition, right knee condition (right leg condition), and left knee condition (left leg condition) have been dismissed.,The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, headaches, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are being remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a reduction in rating for his right shoulder disability and ratings for his lumbar spine, knee, and lower extremity radiculopathies. The appeal also includes an issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The claim for service connection of right ankle arthritis was denied as new and material evidence had not been received. The temporary total evaluation based on convalescence from left knee disability is also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for various disabilities due to outstanding records and inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran will need to provide additional treatment records, including those from private providers. He will also be provided with new examinations related to his psychiatric disorder, hypertension, lung disability, left shoulder, back, knee, and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims of increased ratings for service-connected left knee disabilities. The Board found that the current ratings are appropriate, but noted that a TDIU claim should be addressed.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The right ankle, left knee, and back disabilities were remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's Bell’s palsy is granted, and the Board has remanded for further development regarding other service-connected claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.,The Veteran is seeking a higher rating for his knee conditions, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, lumbar spine disorder, thoracic spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, neurological deficits, carpal tunnel syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to October 16, 2015 for service connection of various hand, wrist, knee, and shoulder conditions. The decision found that the Veteran did not file his claims within one year of receiving a notification of denial in May 2007.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to an incorrect legal standard in a previous VA examiner's opinion.

The Veteran's headaches are aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, and he is granted service connection for this condition.,There is no evidence of high blood pressure that had its onset during active service or is otherwise related to his active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of right knee degenerative joint disease and a rating in excess of 10 percent for right ankle osteoarthritis, finding that there was no evidence linking his current disabilities to service. The Board also found that the Veteran's current right ankle disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and erectile dysfunction, as well as his request for an initial rating of 10 percent for a scar of the left upper arm prior to March 18, 2019, were denied. The Veteran is not entitled to these benefits based on the evidence provided.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as all claims have been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed. The appeal for TDIU has also been dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private treatment records for the Veteran's left knee disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder has been reopened, and the case is remanded for further development. The right knee disability rating is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the right knee, and a compensable rating for degenerative arthritis of the left knee due to missing records and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining private treatment records and conducting addendum opinions regarding functional loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right shoulder disability, neck disability, and right knee disability due to insufficient evidence on the merits. The Veteran contends his current conditions are related to injuries sustained during service.