Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding his service-connected bilateral pes planus, low back disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn. The remaining issues, including those related to the left hand and right knee disabilities, are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for increased ratings for cervical spine sprain with intervertebral disc syndrome and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with arthritis due to the passage of time since the last VA examinations, which are necessary to assess current severity.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was submitted after the appeal was transferred to the Board and a waiver of RO review was sought. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus is remanded as no SSOC addressing this issue has been issued.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection and entitlement to a compensable disability rating. Specifically, additional audiometric testing results are required, as well as medical opinions regarding the etiology of his sleep apnea and right knee condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee disorder is being remanded due to the need to obtain missing medical records and conduct an examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee patellofemoral syndrome and right knee degenerative joint disease have been denied as the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 50 percent from October 22, 2019. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending and the case is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot and knee disorders, including as secondary to his service-connected psoriasis. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on chronic pain and functional impairment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee, right knee, and thoracolumbar spine disabilities are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a right knee disability, an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to November 6, 2019, and TDIU due to PTSD. The Veteran's attorney raised a claim for TDIU by indicating that the Veteran is unable to work due to his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and non-compliance with previous remand directives. The claim is being returned for further development.

The Board has decided that the claims for service connection of low back disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder need more information from the Veteran's Reserve service records. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records and verify all periods of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA.

The Veteran's right hip and right knee disorders are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disorder, low back disorder, and/or radiculopathy.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 100% rating, and he is granted SMC from March 30, 2020. The TDIU claim prior to March 30, 2020, is dismissed as moot.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right hand, left hand, right knee, and left knee rheumatoid arthritis disorders are not related to his active service. The Veteran's left wrist disorder is also not linked to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee nerve impairment, finding no current diagnosis of such condition and thus not meeting the first element required for service connection.

The Board denied an increased rating for right knee DJD and remanded the issue of increased disability rating for right knee instability, status postanterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee bone spur with DJD, left knee instability, and left knee arthroscopic surgery residual scar are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for bilateral knee disabilities and for entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to inconsistencies in the May 2023 examination report and the need for additional evidence.