Knee decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that additional development is needed. The right knee arthroplasty claim remains pending with the RO.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of her acquired psychiatric disorder claim. The other conditions are now considered to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and temporary total rating due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the causes of his right knee plateau tibial fracture and total knee replacement. The issues are inextricably intertwined, so both must be addressed together.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for right and left knee disabilities, but has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence. The appellant's testimony regarding continuity of symptoms following airborne jumps is considered new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including those for service connection and rating determinations. The additional VA treatment records need to be considered in the readjudication process.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and unclear medical opinions. The Veteran is requested to provide dates of her Reserve service periods, as well as any outstanding private treatment records relevant to her claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left and right knee disabilities due to inadequate examination findings. The AOJ is instructed to obtain updated medical records, particularly from Mexico, and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his bilateral knee conditions.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted. Service connection for a right knee disorder and left knee disorder, both secondary to service-connected bilateral hammertoe, is denied. Service connection for a low back disorder, also secondary to service-connected bilateral hammertoe, is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The claims for left knee, left ankle, and right ankle conditions are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to the inextricably intertwined issues of service connection and increased ratings. The claims will be readjudicated after any necessary development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to deficiencies in the May 2009 and April 2015 examination reports, specifically regarding pain levels, range of motion, and whether there is ankylosis. The Veteran will need addendum opinions addressing these issues.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the cases of right knee injury, pilonidal cysts, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The Veteran's claims are now pending again.

The Board has granted service connection for a chronic back condition and remanded the right knee condition issue due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for depression, lumbar spine disorder, left ankle disorder, numbness of the feet, bilateral knee disorders, and bilateral hip disorders have been reopened. The appeals are granted to these extents only.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee DJD, limitation of flexion, and impairment of the right knee were denied as his conditions did not warrant higher evaluations based on current medical evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine and left knee disabilities have been granted. The appeal regarding an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right knee disability is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder, right knee arthroplasty, and right lateral popliteal cutaneous neuropathy have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since September 11, 2012.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back condition and bilateral knee condition due to inadequate opinions in the July 2013 VA examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection based on her duties during service, including wearing heavy equipment and participating in physical activities.

The Board denied a higher rating for left knee osteoarthritis and left knee scars, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not meet the criteria for increased ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for back and left knee disabilities have been granted, with the decision in favor due to presumptive service connection based on his right knee disability.