Knee decisions — 2020

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right ankle sprain and left knee degenerative changes, finding that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation under applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension, hemorrhoids, and left knee disability were denied because he failed to appear at the scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss, a compensable evaluation for chronic right knee strain with limitation of extension, and a compensable evaluation for chronic rhinitis due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his right and left knee conditions did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and development of the record to determine appropriate ratings and service connection.

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee disorders, finding no evidence of a chronic underlying condition that caused functional impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, as well as his left and right ankle disabilities. The rating of 10 percent for each foot hammertoe is maintained.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck condition, back condition, and left-knee condition due to insufficient evidence regarding his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's right knee strain rating was reduced from 10 percent to noncompensable, effective August 7, 2013. The reduction is being restored.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to the need for additional supporting evidence. The Veteran will be required to provide any outstanding medical records and undergo VA examinations to assess the severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left-knee DJD was granted, as the evidence showed that his condition is attributable to active duty service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding service connection for a heart disability due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The claim of hypertension is denied as not meeting the criteria for a compensable evaluation. The claims of OSA, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, left hand and right hand disabilities, and left knee disability are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for bilateral knee disability due to further action being needed, including obtaining additional medical evidence and providing an addendum opinion from a qualified examiner.

The Veteran's right and left knee DJD are currently rated at 10 percent each, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of additional limitation in motion or functional loss.,The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD is remanded for further development as there is conflicting evidence regarding the presence of radiculopathy and missing treatment records.

The Board has denied service connection for a neck disability and remanded the claim of service connection for a left knee disability, as secondary to PTSD. The decision is pending further development.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate VA examination reports and the need for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling new examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD and left knee disability, as well as his TDIU claim due to additional development being required. The Veteran was previously denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, but this decision is now remanded. His service connection claim for a left knee disability remains pending. Additionally, the Board has requested further development regarding his TDIU claim.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee condition and back pain due to a lack of VA examination and insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.