Knee decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee condition, bilateral feet condition, and low back condition. The issues of service connection for any psychiatric disorder (including MDD, PTSD, and anxiety), depression, and foot conditions have been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various rheumatoid arthritis conditions of the shoulders, hands, wrists, feet, and knees are being remanded due to inadequate examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, acquired psychiatric disability (major depression disorder), and fibromyalgia have been granted. The claim for service connection for arthritis has been denied.,The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left knee condition and thoracolumbar spine disability (claimed as back condition).

The Board has remanded the claims due to new evidence received after the April 2016 Statement of the Case, and for additional development including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, right knee disability, left knee disability, back disability, or skin condition (vitiligo). The claims for these conditions are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence of worsening knee conditions and a need for updated examination findings.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability is granted, with a 40 percent rating from July 23, 2019 and a 20 percent rating from December 1, 2009 to July 22, 2019.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 40 percent is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU are being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for a right knee disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology and development of the condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), low back disability, right knee and left knee disabilities, right foot pes planus, left foot pes planus, right foot plantar fasciitis, and left foot plantar fasciitis are all granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II (DMII), a lumbosacral spine disability, and right and left knee disabilities due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during service. The AOJ is instructed to obtain private treatment records from Drs. F.B., R.T., and J.S. as well as verify the USS Standley's operations within twelve nautical miles of Vietnam.

The Board has remanded two issues related to the Veteran's knee conditions and allergies. The first issue is about service connection for right and left knee conditions, which includes a request for an opinion on whether these conditions are related to in-service events or diseases. The second issue is about service connection for allergies/chronic non-allergic rhinitis, also requiring an opinion on the etiology of this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis, finding that it is related to his in-service exostosis surgery.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are granted as service-connected, while his left ankle disorder is denied. Tinnitus was also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the previous final decisions. The Board also found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) or special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various hip and knee disabilities, including as secondary to a bilateral foot condition. The appeals are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to new evidence added by VA. The Veteran's issues were last considered in April 2019, and additional records need to be reviewed.

Service connection is granted for a throat condition, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), right knee disability, and hemorrhoids.,A 40 percent disability rating for low back disability prior to June 22, 2017 was granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD, heart disease, and right knee disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology and current severity.