Knee decisions — 2021

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, migraine headaches, and denied service connection for back, neck, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination for hypertension.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have gastroenteritis that was incurred in or due to his time in service. The claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded as updated examinations are needed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information from a previous VA examination regarding the Veteran's left knee arthritis. The Veteran will need to undergo another examination to provide accurate information about his condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his left knee disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, but the evidence does not support a higher rating. The Board has remanded the case for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations. The left knee osteoarthritis and ACL reconstruction, as well as the right knee degenerative changes, are all rated at 10 percent each since February 25, 2020 for painful limitation of extension.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and left knee degenerative arthritis have been granted service connection. The initial rating for the left knee has also been granted at a 20% level.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of his right ankle disorder, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and service connection for right knee disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of marked limitation of motion or ankylosis to warrant higher evaluations.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, finding that the Veteran's assertions of ongoing symptoms since his service were not credible and there was no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, taking into consideration his statements and evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peptic ulcer disease was reopened and granted. Service connection for gastrointestinal disorder, to include as diagnosed as peptic ulcer disease, is also granted. The claims for right knee disability and PTSD are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip condition, left hip condition, and left knee condition due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his active-duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional VA examinations and opinions to assess the severity of his service-connected knee and back disabilities, including addressing prior range of motion measurements.

The Board has remanded the claims for reopening service connection for bilateral knee disorders due to outstanding private medical records from Dr. J.D.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for an earlier effective date for a 10% rating for his right knee disability, service connection for hepatitis C and kidney disability (secondary to hepatitis C). The Board has determined that the evidence does not support an earlier effective date than June 29, 2010. Service connection for hepatitis C is denied as there is no credible evidence linking it to service or any risk factors therein.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with psychotic features resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.,Prior to March 21, 2019, the Veteran met the schedular requirements for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee DJD and remanded the issues of increases in ratings for lumbar disc bulge, left knee DJD, and a compensable rating for left leg cellulitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disabilities due to an inadequate November 2013 VA etiological opinion. The case is now before the Board again for appellate consideration.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), respiratory disorder, and bilateral hearing loss are pending. The issues of service connection for these conditions have been remanded.,Service connection will be determined based on the merits of each claim.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including applying new musculoskeletal rating criteria.