Knee decisions — 2021

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition and a right knee condition, finding that there is not enough evidence to support these claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, bilateral hip, and bilateral knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, left and right knee chondromalacia, and radiculopathy. The issues include seeking higher ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral flat feet, back condition, right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, right hand condition, and left hand condition are all found to be service-connected. The Veteran's current renal toxicity (ESRD) is not considered service-connected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left knee total arthroplasty with history of degenerative joint disease due to additional evidence submitted after the most recent Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for asthma, emphysema, COPD, and sleep apnea due to asbestos exposure. The evidence did not show a current diagnosis or etiology of these conditions related to service.,There was no established diagnosis of emphysema in the medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in previous examination reports regarding right knee flare-ups and a need for a retrospective opinion.

The Board denied service connection for OSA, but remanded the issues of right knee and right hip disorders due to lack of nexus.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right knee disability, digestive system disability, and TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues. Additional medical opinions are needed to determine the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Board has remanded the issues of initial compensable ratings for left knee disabilities and a rating in excess of 30 percent for left knee extension, as well as a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee instability. The appellant will receive an SOC addressing these issues.

The Board has decided the case needs further examination to determine if the Veteran's current meniscus tear is related to his service, including any Baker's cysts he had in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to outstanding VA treatment records, worsening of symptoms since previous examinations, and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left shoulder strain, right and left knee instability, and cervical spine strain, rendered him unemployable from March 11, 2009 to December 29, 2010. The Board granted a TDIU for this period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate medical examinations and conflicting evidence regarding certain conditions. The Veteran will be provided with new examinations for his service-connected neck, low back, bilateral knee, and bilateral ankle disorders.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings related to her right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to his service, and the Board has granted service connection for it. The cases of hearing loss, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for a disability rating and TDIU due to inadequate VA examination reports from July 2007, February 2013, March 2015, and September 2018. The Veteran's right knee disability is being evaluated based on its current severity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if his conditions are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's left knee disorder is related to service. The examiner was instructed to provide an addendum opinion addressing all pertinent evidence, including the Veteran's lay statements.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations. The claims will be remanded to allow for these steps.