Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and separate compensable disability ratings for knee subluxation prior to March 20, 2018 were denied as the Veteran failed to report for necessary VA examinations without good cause.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right knee osteoarthritis with painful motion was denied. Effective May 5, 2018, the Veteran received a 10 percent disability rating for right knee instability under Diagnostic Code 5257.

Service connection is granted for a back condition, neck condition (cervicalgia), right elbow condition, and bilateral knee conditions.,The claims were remanded due to the need to address additional issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, rosacea, and knee conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence.,A new VA examination is required to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee degenerative arthritis and low back disability render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should be afforded another opportunity to undergo VA examinations for his service-connected cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral knee disabilities due to concerns related to the COVID pandemic. The claims for increased evaluations are subject to denial if the Veteran fails to appear for the scheduled examinations.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of bilateral knee condition due to the appellant's withdrawal. The remaining issues were remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The back, bilateral knee, and acquired psychiatric disabilities are being reviewed again.

The Board has remanded the claims for left knee disability and psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete service records. The appellant is required to provide more information about his injuries during service and obtain missing VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back, left wrist, right wrist, left knee, and right knee disabilities have been granted.,VA has also granted the Veteran an effective date of October 14, 2015 for his service connection for a right ankle sprain with tendonitis. However, this claim is being remanded due to additional issues needing further review.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral eye disorder, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeals during a hearing.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder (MDD and sleep disturbances) has been reopened due to new evidence received since the last rating decision.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right knee and shoulder strains, left foot plantar fasciitis, left and right ankle disabilities, and a claim for TDIU. The claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records, conducting new examinations, and issuing notice letters regarding the TDIU claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury and insufficient medical nexus to establish a relationship between his current condition and active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for a left knee disability due to inadequate medical opinions in the previous decision.

The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260.,VA has not received complete service treatment and personnel records for the Veteran's Army National Guard service. The specific dates of all ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA service periods performed by the Veteran during his Army National Guard service have also not been verified.,The Board is remanding to obtain the Veteran's complete service treatment and personnel records, as well as the specific dates for all ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA service periods performed by the Veteran during his Army National Guard service. The appellant must be notified of any negative replies.,VA has not received the Veteran's terminal treatment records from North Caddo Medical Center, which are necessary to determine the cause of death. These records should be requested on remand.,The Board is also remanding for the purpose of determining whether service connection can be established for the Veteran's claimed conditions.

Your right knee disorder has been granted service connection, effective January 16, 2013. The appeal for this condition is dismissed as there are no longer unresolved issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine, left knee condition, and right knee condition are being remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board will seek additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a separate rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied as his symptoms are attributable to his service-connected PTSD.,Service connection for left foot disability and right foot disability is denied as the evidence does not support their onset during service or being related to in-service injuries.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for various conditions, including right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right upper extremity disorder, left upper extremity disorder, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision is due to the Veteran's passing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, finding no direct or secondary link to his military service. The decision also noted that there was not enough evidence to presume the condition was incurred during service.