Knee decisions — 2020

Service connection for PTSD and chondromalacia of the patella of the left knee has been granted.,The Veteran's left hip disorder remains under review.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's left knee disability is aggravated by his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability. The claim will be returned for an addendum VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hip, right knee, and ankle disabilities due to pain that may be related to his service-connected left knee disability and lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development and evaluation of his claims, including obtaining medical records and audiogram results. The VA examiner must provide an opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran’s service-connected conditions and his hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for an adequate VA examination. The appeal for temporary total convalescence following his January 2014 surgery remains denied.,The Board found that the Veteran did not require a period of convalescence following his January 2014 left knee surgery, as he was discharged without any physical restrictions and gradually improved throughout his course of physical therapy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased disability evaluations were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection due to pre-existing bilateral pes planus, arthritis of the lumbar spine, residuals of a contusion of the left arm with nerve damage, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, right knee strain, stress reaction of the left ankle, and stress reaction of the right ankle.

The Board has remanded four issues related to service connection and rating for the Veteran's right shoulder orthopedic and neurological disabilities, as well as his right knee disability. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to assess these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on various service-connected disabilities were denied. The Veteran was granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and an acquired psychiatric disorder, which resolved the benefit sought.

The Board has granted service connection for genital herpes, finding that the Veteran's condition was incurred as a result of his military service. Service connection for left knee disability is denied due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a new examination and review of prior examinations.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including low back and right knee conditions, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disability, gastrointestinal disability (claimed as irritable bowel disease and Crohn's disease), diabetes mellitus type II, and narcolepsy. The claims were remanded for further development regarding a respiratory disability and varicose veins.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn all remaining issues associated with the appeal.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia is now rated at 60% effective from April 4, 2018.,There is no change in rating for the post-operative residuals of a right knee injury with degenerative changes.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder as it was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to the service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various elbow, foot, and knee disorders due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is also being asked to provide any outstanding private or VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disability has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for the period from August 1, 2008 to April 3, 2009 and from June 1, 2009 to February 3, 2020.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and left ankle disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing current disability during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and for an increased rating for his low back disability due to conflicting medical opinions and potential changes in the Veteran's condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and further examination is needed. Pension benefits are granted as of April [REDACTED], 2018.

The Veteran's service connection claim for TBI and PTSD remains denied, while the claims for left knee and ankle disabilities are remanded.,PTSD rating in excess of 70 percent is also denied.