Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that the remand directives have not been completed as directed and another remand is necessary to obtain a retrospective opinion on the Veteran's right knee disability throughout the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis with shin splints is granted a 30 percent rating for limitation of flexion. The issue of an initial compensable evaluation for extension remains denied, and the left knee disability is granted a separate 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right knee scars was granted. The claims for service connection of a left knee disorder and tinnitus were remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for an eye disability, including bilateral myopia, is denied. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for left knee and shoulder disorders, as well as a temporary total disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed sleep, knee, pelvis, and elbow conditions. The initial compensable rating claim for hypertension remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, as well as for service connection for a right ankle disorder and a left ankle disorder, are remanded due to incomplete VA examination reports. The Veteran is also asked to provide any outstanding private or VA treatment records relevant to the claims.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding PTSD, right knee disability, anxiety, and depression. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the withdrawal.

The Board has denied service connection for right ear hearing loss disability and remanded the issues of service connection for left ear hearing loss disability and bilateral knee disability.

The Board has withdrawn the Veteran's appeals for service connection of IBS, CTS (bilateral), allergic rhinitis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and left knee scar. The claims for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been reopened due to new evidence received since their final denial.

The Veteran's left knee disability, osteoarthritis with a meniscal tear, is caused by his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The cervical spine and left ankle disabilities are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, shin splints affecting the right leg, GERD, and left knee disability due to inadequate medical opinions. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right knee extension prior to August 27, 2019. The claim will be reviewed again with a new examination.

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee instability and the claim for TDIU prior to September 24, 2009.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities due to conflicting evidence and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left knee instability and degenerative arthritis of the left knee, as well as his claim for TDIU due to lack of proper examinations. The AOJ is instructed to schedule new VA examinations and consider all evidence added since the August 2022 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board denied service connection for a left foot condition, gout in the left foot, and right knee condition due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,The Veteran's current diagnoses include a left foot plantar callous, gout in the left foot, and right knee degenerative joint disease.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration, including obtaining a medical opinion to address the severity of the Veteran's left knee disability during the period from April 1, 2014 to April 27, 2016. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities. The examiner was instructed to consider all lay and medical evidence, including treatment for the knees in 2000 and the lay reports of injury during the motor vehicle accident, but failed to do so.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and right elbow disabilities due to inadequate rationale in a February 2015 VA examiner's opinion. The Veteran is requested to provide updated medical records and file for private treatment records. A new VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of his current knee and elbow disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for a left hand disability and bilateral knee disability, and has remanded the claim of entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).