Knee decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and additional evidence, including private treatment records from J.L., M.D.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his right knee disability was denied. The Board found that the current evaluations were appropriate, with a separate rating granted for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development regarding service connection for knee disorders.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right hip, left knee, neck, and low back disorders due to secondary service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's contentions of in-service injury are being reviewed.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for left knee osteoarthritis was denied. The Board found the evidence insufficient to grant a higher rating and remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination. For the period beginning April 2, 2019, the Veteran is granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for right wrist, left knee, and jaw spasms disabilities due to outstanding VA treatment records and need for updated examinations.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines as there was a full grant of benefits in a September 2022 rating decision.,The case is remanded for further development regarding an initial compensable disability rating for chronic maxillary sinusitis, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, and service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are linked to his military service. Service connection was denied for a thoracic spine disability due to lack of evidence.

The Board finds that further development is required for the Veteran's claims of service connection for left foot hallux valgus deformity and left knee arthritis, as secondary to his service-connected right foot condition.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of left carpal tunnel syndrome, right flat foot, and a left knee condition. The claim for reopening service connection for back/thoracic spine condition due to secondary service-connected cervical spine disability is remanded.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional evaluations of his service-connected right hip, right knee, and left knee disabilities.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected left knee laxity from June 12, 2015. The issue of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating and service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine/neck, and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The left knee disability was rated at 10% prior to August 31, 2022, and at 30% thereafter. The Veteran's instability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5257.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to a withdrawal request from the Veteran's authorized representative.

The Veteran's right knee strain is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to limited flexion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lower back disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the nature and origin of his disorders. The VA must obtain additional records from private providers and provide new VA opinions that consider all evidence of record, including the Veteran's lay statements.

The Veteran's claim for an extension of the temporary total evaluation for convalescence due to partial revision left knee surgery beyond October 31, 2017 is denied.,The Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 30 percent for his left and right knee disabilities are denied.,The Veteran's claim for a separate 10 percent rating for instability of the right knee from May 11, 2016 is granted.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with lumbosacral strain and spinal stenosis is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is denied.,The Veteran's claim for SMC based on housebound status, for periods other than September 12, 2017, to November 1, 2017, is denied.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's left knee disability, as the prior examinations did not comply with VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for VA examinations and the need for additional medical opinions regarding various service connection claims.