Knee decisions — 2023

The appeal of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability and bilateral shoulder disability is dismissed.,The appeals of entitlement to service connection for bilateral knee disability and bilateral hand disability, secondary to the right wrist disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to November 10, 2014 are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations provided were inadequate and remands are necessary for further evaluations of the Veteran's lumbar spine, left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee degenerative joint disease and instability due to inadequate VA examinations, failure to provide retrospective opinions, and changes in rating criteria.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral strain, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and left knee strain. The right shoulder disorder claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left knee and right foot disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions in the previous examinations. The Veteran's incarcerated status complicates scheduling of VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has granted entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and right knee degenerative joint disease.,Remaining claims of service connection are being remanded due to outstanding Social Security Administration medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, low back disability, and right hip disability. The decision found no new and material evidence to reopen any of these claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to February 17, 2023, and denied for a higher rating.,The Veteran's bilateral knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with osteoarthritis is rated at 30 percent from March 3, 2023, to April 14, 2023, and denied for a higher rating. After this date, the condition remains rated at 30 percent.,The Veteran's bilateral knee instability is rated at 20 percent prior to March 3, 2023, and denied for a higher rating.

The Board granted a separate 10 percent rating for left knee patellar instability from January 1, 2020 to January 26, 2022.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to assess the current severity and manifestations of the Veteran's service-connected lateral instability of the left knee, including range of motion measurements for active motion, passive motion, weight-bearing, and nonweight-bearing. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for right knee, shoulder, and hip disabilities due to the need for additional examinations to determine their current severity.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to a lack of pre-1998 VA treatment records and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The Veteran's low back, bilateral knee, and bilateral ankle disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis is granted as service-connected, with the condition noted in service and continuing since service.,There is no evidence of a left collar bone disorder during active duty. The Veteran's claim for this issue is remanded.

The petition to reopen a previously denied service connection claim for joint and muscle pain is denied.,The petition to reopen a previously denied service connection claim for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is denied.,The petition to reopen a previously denied service connection claim for gastroesophageal disorder (GERD) is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations. The appeals will be reconsidered after obtaining missing service personnel records, post-service treatment records, and arranging for new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee tendinitis with osteoarthritis and a compensable rating for left knee tendinitis with limitation of extension due to inadequate examination.

The Board has denied service connection for low back strain and left knee arthritis and chondromalacia patella, but has remanded the case for further examination regarding bilateral hearing loss.