Knee decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity disability, including hip and knee issues, is related to his service-connected foot disabilities (metatarsalgia with pes planus and knee osteoarthritis).

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for a right knee disability and for TDIU due to service-connected PTSD. The remand is necessary because the previous examinations did not adequately assess the Veteran's range of motion, and his work history needs to be evaluated.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA disability evaluation criteria.

The Board dismissed all appeals related to the Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including right ankle, left index finger, left ankle, and left knee disabilities. The appeal for increased ratings of the right knee disability was also dismissed.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent for painful motion and a separate 10 percent rating for recurrent instability. The claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for the status post-ACL repair disability was denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a left knee disability and an initial rating higher than 20 percent for a cervical spine disability. The remaining issues have been remanded as well.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's back disability is service-connected. The claims for right knee, left knee, and neck disabilities are remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's recurrent right knee disability and its relationship to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to outstanding medical records that need to be obtained. The Veteran is also scheduled for a VA examination to determine if his current back disability is related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for degenerative joint disease, lumbar strain; bilateral pes planus; and skin condition/rash. The issues of service connection are related to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle and knee disabilities, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to active service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has found that a higher rating is warranted due to worsening symptoms since his last VA examination. The case is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's right knee tendonitis with meniscal tear and joint osteoarthritis, status-post meniscectomy, is rated at 20 percent for the entire rating period on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a digestive system disability and right knee disability are remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The claim for TDIU is also remanded as it may be affected by these decisions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding records and a need for new VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a right knee injury, but dismissed the appeals for ankylosis of the left thumb, ankylosis of the right thumb, and residuals of an injury of the left knee.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left knee conditions due to insufficient analysis regarding secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee disability is being remanded due to conflicting VA examination reports and the need for an updated examination.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient compliance with directives and additional examination is needed.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and consideration of service connection for a right knee disability. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with respect to whether his current right knee disability is related to service, including parachute jumping, or if it was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability.