Knee decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the receipt of new and relevant evidence. The issues include respiratory condition, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of OSA and depressive disorder, as well as service connection for a right knee strain, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted as secondary to his service-connected non-allergic rhinitis.,The Veteran's right knee injury and limitation of flexion are dismissed due to a previous grant of service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, including pes planus, bilateral ankle and knee disabilities, left shoulder disability, right hand scar, and bilateral hearing loss. The combined rating of these conditions exceeds the schedular requirement for a TDIU.

The Veteran's back brace caused wear and tear to his shirts, leading to the grant of a clothing allowance for 2019.,Both of the Veteran's knee braces (right and left) caused wear and tear to his pants, resulting in the grant of two additional clothing allowances for 2019.

The Board has remanded the case for a determination on whether the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected right knee disabilities, specifically from February 21, 2016. The decision now requires referral to the Director of Compensation Service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left knee disability due to issues with compliance and substantial compliance, as well as failure to address relevant evidence of functional loss. The case is also being remanded for additional development including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to additional development being necessary, including obtaining employment information from the Veteran's employers and reviewing his Community Care Program records. The case will be readjudicated after any further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee conditions, as well as left and right hip conditions. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board has remanded several issues, including those related to bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as some of the disability evaluations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been granted.,The Veteran's claim to reopen his right knee disability was successful, and the issue is now remanded for further examination.

The Board has found inconsistencies in the July 2023 VA examination report regarding the Veteran's right knee disabilities and remanded for further evaluation. The issues of rating excess disability for right knee instability and internal derangement are being remanded to allow for a more accurate assessment.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is granted service connection. Service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, left hip disorder, and right knee disorder are denied. Service connection for prostate cancer residuals is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for updated treatment records from his private physician and VA providers.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including degenerative arthritis and instability, is granted with a separate 20 percent rating for instability. The claim for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis remains denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examination. The Veteran's symptoms are being evaluated, including those related to his right hip, bilateral knees, and arthritis of the hands, arms, and legs.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination report, and service connection for Right Shoulder Disability is denied. Service connection for Bilateral Knee Disability remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee instability and osteoarthritis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the severity of her symptoms throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his right knee conditions has been denied. The initial rating of 10 percent for osteoarthritis and instability prior to February 28, 2022, and the current 20 percent rating for instability have not met the criteria for a higher rating.

Service connection for a left knee condition, erectile dysfunction (ED), and migraines has been denied.,The Veteran's lumbar spine and upper back conditions have been remanded for further review.