Knee decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, bilateral eye pterygium, and left wrist disorder were denied. The Veteran's claim for right arm disorder was remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, lower back, and upper back disabilities due to outstanding medical records not being associated with the claims file.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee disability and a higher rating for PTSD due to new evidence added since the last decision. The AOJ must consider this new evidence and properly adjudicate the claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and treatment records. The Veteran's back disability, right knee disability, and eye condition are all being reviewed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to January 1, 2014 were denied due to his failure to appear at scheduled VA examinations without showing good cause.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum rating available under current criteria.,Service connection for lumbar spine condition, bilateral hip conditions, bilateral knee conditions, and left ankle condition are denied as these disabilities are considered congenital defects that were not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and adjustment disorder with mixed emotional reaction (claimed as depression), are denied. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and lumbar strain are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chondromalacia of the left knee was denied as her disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right knee meniscal tear is granted a separate 20 percent rating, but no higher. The left knee meniscal tear is denied as the Veteran had a total knee replacement and does not have a current condition warranting a separate rating.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any current bilateral knee disabilities, as well as whether they are related to service. The Veteran's claim for service connection will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's right knee disability, which includes prosthetic replacement of the knee joint with chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness, is rated at 60 percent from August 1, 2010 to March 7, 2013.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hernia of the abdomen and groin, diabetes mellitus, type II, and bilateral arthritis of the knees and arms due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran will need additional VA examinations to address his service connection claims.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis and bilateral heel spurs are denied as the evidence does not support a connection to service.,Service connection for plantar fasciitis is denied due to lack of current diagnosis. The Veteran's heel spurs are found not connected to any period of service.,GERD is remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding its onset and relationship to service.,Right wrist condition is remanded as the VA records do not support a connection to service, despite the Veteran's testimony and history.,Lumbar spine condition is remanded due to lack of sufficient medical evidence connecting it to service.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions were dismissed due to his death while the appeal was pending.

The Veteran's service connection claims for knee disabilities have been granted. Effective dates prior to February 1, 2017 are being remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left knee disabilities due to inadequate examination reports. The issues remain on appeal as the Veteran seeks the maximum possible evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his right and left knee disabilities due to incomplete examination findings and need for additional treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives, specifically regarding range of motion testing and pain assessment in a VA examination for the Veteran's right knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to engage and retain substantially gainful employment, qualifying for TDIU. The Veteran is not in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, thus SMC on the basis of aid and attendance is denied.