Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete VA examinations and other procedural issues. The Veteran is advised that she should be rescheduled for the required VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence received after the October 2018 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including sleep apnea, cervical spine disorder, right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder. The remand is due to insufficient examinations and the need to consider whether the Veteran's reported symptoms are related to his military service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of right and left knee osteoarthritis, finding that the previous VA opinions were inadequate. The Veteran's current knee conditions are being evaluated in relation to his service-connected right foot disability.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for obtaining additional VA and private medical records, as well as requesting authorization for private medical records from various providers.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee disability (limitation of flexion) and limitation of extension due to additional evidence received after the December 2022 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to establish service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that his current condition is related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for a bilateral foot disorder, knee disorders, hip disorder, back disorder, shoulder disorder, tailbone disorder, and right ear hearing loss due to incomplete military records. The increased rating claim for left ear hearing loss is also remanded.

The Board has determined that the remand directives were not substantially complied with, and thus another remand is required. The Veteran's left knee disability remains under review for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of left knee disability and pes planus were denied as there are no prior VA treatment records showing an intent to apply for benefits. The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for bilateral pes planus were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and determinations.,His left knee disability, including aortic root dilation and aneurysm associated with hypertension, is rated under DCs 7007 and 4.104.

The Veteran's bilateral knee chondromalacia patella disabilities are rated at 20% each, reflecting moderate instability.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his left knee disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by chondromalacia patella and degenerative arthritis, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the pain causing functional impairment warrants a 10 percent rating but not higher.

The Veteran's breathing problems, left knee condition, and right knee condition are being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine their relationship to service.,Service connection for hearing loss is also being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for left knee tendonitis and irritable bowel syndrome, finding that no claim was received within a year of his discharge date.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain medical records from facilities in Kelsey, Texas and Katy, Texas where the Veteran received treatment for his right knee disorder. The claim will be reconsidered with a possible VA examination if new evidence is submitted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee and left shoulder disabilities, finding that these conditions are related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee and low back disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to December 1, 2014. The issue of TDIU is denied as the evidence does not show that his disabilities preclude him from securing and maintaining gainful employment.