Knee decisions — 2023

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted an initial 70% rating, effective from the date of the decision. The right knee disability claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right leg and right knee disorders due to inadequate VA medical examinations. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for right ankle, right knee, and lumbar spondylolisthesis have been denied. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is REMANDED due to inadequate opinions regarding causation and aggravation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, hemorrhoids, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability are granted. The appeals for service connection for these conditions are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's application to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for bilateral knee patellofemoral osteoarthritis and depression was granted. He is also granted service connection for depressive disorder secondary to his bilateral knee disability.,Service connection for OSA was not established as the evidence did not show a relationship between the Veteran's military service and his current condition.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for left and right knee disabilities, as well as entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are rated 10 percent prior to March 31, 2021. The Board has not yet determined the appropriate ratings for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of his right knee disability, finding that there is no competent medical evidence to indicate a current disability related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for additional examinations to clarify the current severity of his knee and ankle disabilities.,During the December 2021 Board hearing, the Veteran reported experiencing instability in both knees and right ankle, which may require further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee condition. The claim will be reconsidered with a new opinion considering the Veteran's service history and symptoms.

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

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to additional evidence being added to the record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, left knee osteoarthritis, and TDIU due to inappropriately assigned ratings and unresolved issues regarding service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral total knee replacements and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU effective November 27, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records. The AOJ should clarify whether the Veteran wishes to pursue a claim for benefits related to glioblastoma, and further examination is needed for his psychiatric disability, OSA, left knee disorder, bilateral hand complaints, and CFS.

The Veteran's service-connected insomnia and alcohol use disorder are found to be the primary cause of his acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD). The left knee condition is not considered secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete certification of the appeal, additional VA medical records submitted after the October 2019 SOC, and the need for clarification on right foot surgery history. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated.

The Veteran's TBI, post-concussion headaches, right knee limitation of extension, and left knee limitation of extension were granted service connection effective June 29, 2016.,A 10 percent disability rating for right knee joint osteoarthritis was also granted effective June 29, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of medical records from Fort Moore, Georgia. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records and then readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as there is no current evidence of the claimed conditions and service connection cannot be established.,There is no current diagnosis for gastric ulcers, and the Veteran did not have a diagnosed condition during or contemporary to the appeal period.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding service connection for tinnitus as there is no longer a case or controversy. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim was granted, with all reasonable doubt resolved in his favor. Service connection for left knee and left eye disabilities are remanded due to insufficient VA opinions.