Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional records from Social Security Administration (SSA). The appellant is the surviving spouse of the Veteran who served in active military from October 1962 to December 1964.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and arthritis of the left knee on a direct basis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during and have continued since service.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee degenerative arthritis, but the issue of service connection for hearing loss is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's left knee disability has been granted increased ratings for instability, flexion limitation, and locking/pain. The extension limitation remains noncompensable.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a scar is granted.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for left knee disability is set at January 21, 2011. The earlier requested effective date is denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine, left shoulder, right shoulder, and knee conditions are granted service connection.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also granted.

The Veteran's right knee and right hand disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation. The right knee issues include a partial meniscectomy, while the right hand disability is unclear in relation to service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence in the record. The Veteran is required to provide authorization for VA to obtain his private medical records, including chiropractic records from Windward Wellness, and a new VA examination must be conducted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities due to inadequate examinations and conflicting opinions. The case is returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his knee and leg disabilities, including the amputation of the left leg above the knee. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions addressing these issues.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for a supplemental statement of the case and additional development, including obtaining updated employment information.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee disability as secondary to his already service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for a higher disability rating for his left knee disability and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound are remanded due to the failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, shortness of breath and asthma, a right knee condition, and a right ankle condition have been granted. The claim for service connection for obesity has been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, GAD, and panic disorder is granted. The claims for prostate cancer, back condition, right knee condition, and sleep disorder are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye condition. The claims for service connection for a bilateral knee condition and chronic sinusitis are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his low back disability and right knee disabilities are remanded due to further development being required.

The Veteran's entitlement to service connection for insomnia is granted as secondary to his service-connected other specified trauma and stressor related disorder. His increased rating for left knee post meniscectomy disability is also granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and a left foot disorder due to new evidence received since the November 2014 rating decision. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a left knee disability and diabetes mellitus due to insufficient medical opinions addressing whether obesity is a substantial factor in causing these conditions or if they would not have occurred but for obesity.