Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from being able to perform daily activities and if he requires regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since June 9, 2020. Prior to that date, the rating was denied.,A separate 10 percent rating for right knee tendonitis with degenerative arthritis has been granted. The 20 percent rating for right knee instability and subluxation remains unchanged.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to a lack of adequate reasoning and bases regarding the theory of service connection based on in-service vaccinations. The VA is required to obtain opinions from an appropriate examiner regarding the etiology of his COPD, sleep apnea, gall bladder removal, inguinal hernia, knee disabilities, shoulder disabilities, and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disability due to insufficient medical opinions and potential conflicts in the provided evidence. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection, but the effective date is denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood) is remanded due to conflicting opinions regarding its onset.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted a separate rating of 20 percent from February 7, 2021 for repaired complete ligament tear causing persistent instability that requires a walker. The claims for increased ratings prior to March 15, 2016 and from March 15, 2016 are denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, and left knee disability claims are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) prior to April 11, 2014. The case is referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus, right knee disability, and back disability need further development due to missing service treatment records and a lack of VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disorder and a lumbar spine disorder, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active military service. The appeals of other issues have been remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period prior to April 1, 2009 was denied as she had a substantially gainful occupation during that time.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent disability rating, and service connection for left knee osteoarthritis is granted. Service connection for right hip condition and vision disorder are denied.

The Veteran's claims for bronchial asthma and arteriosclerotic heart disease were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability. The right ankle and right knee conditions were granted service connection based on their relationship to active duty.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disorder, finding that the condition was not incurred in or related to service and did not meet any presumptive criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis claims are being reviewed again.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for left knee fibrositis and left total knee replacement residuals is being remanded due to the need for additional development of her case.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a recurrent psychiatric disability to include PTSD and a depressive disorder is denied. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a recurrent respiratory disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee chondromalacia and left knee degenerative joint disease (DDD) have been denied as the Veteran failed to appear for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the issues of entitlement to service connection remain remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity varicosities are being remanded due to inadequate VA opinions on whether they are proximately due to or have been aggravated by his service-connected right foot fracture.,The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to inadequate VA opinions on whether they are proximately due to or have been aggravated by his service-connected right foot fracture.