Knee decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities were denied as the effective dates cannot be earlier than May 4, 2012.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to lack of a justiciable case or controversy as there are no pending appeals in the legacy system regarding service connection for back disability, TDIU, and increased ratings for left and right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee disability, specifically instability and recurrent locking with joint pain and effusion, has been granted a 20 percent rating effective May 21, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's periods of service are unclear and requires further verification. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cervical spine disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and obstructive sleep apnea due to exposure in Southwest Asia. The claims are being returned for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions on whether the conditions are related to service or other factors.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left knee has been dismissed as it was included within her request to be placed in the AMA system, which encompasses all aspects of her service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and requesting SSA disability records. A new medical opinion is needed to address whether the Veteran's low back and right knee conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right and left shoulder bursitis, as well as his right and left knee degenerative changes and instability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess range of motion in both active and passive motions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to herbicide agents and the need for additional private treatment records. The claims will be reconsidered in light of these developments.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU, and there is no evidence that he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board finds that the current combined evaluation of 20% compensates the Veteran for the impact of their symptomatology.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease and a left knee cyst, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases of left knee disability and arthritis, degenerative lower back condition for further development. The Veteran's left knee disabilities are to be evaluated by a VA medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and for additional opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right lower extremity disorders, including whether they are caused or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence and additional examination. The issues include degenerative disc disease, bilateral knee pain, and depression.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee is remanded due to insufficient evidence from previous examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of right knee disability and lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran was not granted a higher rating for major depressive disorder with insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea, nor did he receive service connection for his right knee disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment and personnel records, and for further examination to determine if the appellant's preexisting left knee disability was aggravated by his service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee and leg disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to this condition. The Board also found insufficient evidence to support the allegation that the current disability is secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, is now service connected.,The radiculopathy affecting the Veteran’s bilateral lower extremities is also now service connected.,The left knee degenerative joint disease is now service connected.