Knee decisions — 2021

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to February 26, 2020. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal because the VA Form 10182 was incorrectly docketed and does not comply with the requirements for appeals filed before February 19, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, left knee disability, right knee disability, PTSD, erectile dysfunction, and low back disability have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew these claims prior to a decision being made.,Service connection has been granted for hemorrhoids. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his service.

The Veteran's right knee disability was reduced from a 50% evaluation to noncompensable effective November 1, 2018. The reduction is upheld as the evidence does not show sustained improvement in his condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and his right knee disability remains at a 10 percent rating.,The Veteran's right knee instability is granted a separate 10 percent rating from January 30, 2018.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left ankle and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of potential separate or extraschedular ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for right knee degenerative arthritis and residuals of a right knee injury with anterior cruciate ligament and meniscal tears based on instability due to insufficient range of motion testing in weight-bearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the aid and attendance of another to perform activities of daily living and protect him from hazards. However, he is not permanently housebound due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to non-compliance with previous directives. The Veteran's knee conditions are being evaluated again, including a new x-ray and an opinion on whether his current conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and her current hypertension. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the physical loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, nor ankylosis of either knee. Therefore, he does not qualify for financial assistance in purchasing a vehicle with adaptive equipment.

The Board denied service connection for right knee and low back disabilities, finding that the current conditions are not related to events in service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of the Veteran's knee disorders, low back disorder, muscle spasms, neurotoxic exposure, and sleep disorder due to incomplete examination reports and procedural issues.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain and right knee arthritis have been granted a 20 percent disability rating from August 29, 2014 to November 13, 2019. The psychiatric disorder has been granted a 30 percent disability rating for the period from August 29, 2014 to December 15, 2014. The Veteran's testicular cancer residuals have not met the criteria for a higher rating. The scars of the abdomen and inner left thigh have been granted a 20 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's right knee disability is being remanded for further examination and evaluation due to inconsistencies in the range of motion testing.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of initial compensable evaluation for nephrolithiasis, right knee strain, and service connection for lower back disability, left knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, and lower gastrointestinal problems. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to obtain any outstanding records and to schedule VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and left knee disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment since June 26, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, back disability, and migraine headaches. The conditions are found to be at least as likely as not incurred in or caused by the Veteran's active-duty service.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a right knee disability due to inadequate consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding knee swelling during boot camp and daily training. The case is returned for further development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion.