Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed for the claims of PTSD, broken right hand, left knee injury, TBI, and scar on the back of the head. The Veteran will need to provide updated VA treatment records and undergo examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD, assess whether any diagnosed right-hand disabilities are related to his service-connected PTSD, evaluate the etiology of any left knee conditions, clarify whether the Veteran has a TBI, and determine if there is a scar on the back of his head. The claims will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder, finding that there is no evidence of any in-service injury or disease related to his current condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining and sustaining a substantially gainful occupation prior to July 27, 2005.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examination reports, and a new medical opinion is needed to address the appropriate standard for claims of service connection based on aggravation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability due to inadequate medical opinions and failure to comply with prior remand directives.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions provided are inadequate and requires further examination to determine if the Veteran's disabilities were caused or aggravated by service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip disability, left hip disability, back disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not constitute an employment handicap, and he is gainfully employed in a suitable position. Therefore, VR&E benefits are denied.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability and a psychiatric disorder, finding no current disabilities or evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are granted, with a 20% evaluation. The thoracolumbar spine disability is also granted, with a 20% evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including back disability, left and right lower extremity disabilities, ED, left arm/left shoulder disability, and OSA. The issues are related to whether these conditions were caused or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted as service-connected. The right knee condition and left knee condition are remanded for further evaluation.

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

The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for neuropathy in the left upper extremity is granted. Service connection for a bilateral hip disability and right knee disability is also granted.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease, tinnitus, ulcerative colitis with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and depression and anxiety have all been granted service connection.,Service connection for these conditions is based on direct evidence of their onset during or related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's right knee instability is rated at 20 percent, effective June 6, 2015. The rating for his limitation of extension remains at 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional medical evidence and VA examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected left knee disability, including a scar. The TDIU claim will be further developed in conjunction with an examination to assess the impact of these disabilities on employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee disabilities due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives and further development is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination for determining the current severity of the Veteran's right knee disability. A new examination is required.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee chondromalacia with degenerative joint disease and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from November 27, 2012. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.