Knee decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, gynecological conditions (infertility and miscarriages), gastrointestinal conditions, left knee condition, chronic fatigue, thyroid condition, and skin conditions have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.,Further examination is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, with the exception of those related to right hip disorder, left hip disorder, and left knee disorder. The headaches are considered a chronic disease under presumptive provisions due to their presence during active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for dilated cardiomyopathy and increased ratings for limitation of motion and instability of the right knee. The Veteran's claims are currently pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder have been granted. The Board found new and material evidence to reopen these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a cervical spine disorder, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and knee disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The VA examinations are also needed to assess the current severity of his knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and an addendum medical opinion regarding her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded three issues related to the Veteran's left knee and hip disabilities due to inadequate evaluations in previous examinations.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of limitation in range of motion or instability.

The Veteran's left femur condition is rated at a 30 percent since May 8, 2017. The Board has remanded the case for further development.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted. The back, left knee, and tinnitus service connection claims are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's left knee was rated at 100% due to the need for convalescence following a total knee replacement revision. The rating is granted until February 4, 2017.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for a right knee disability, a rating in excess of 30 percent for a left knee disability, and TDIU.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left knee disability and heart disabilities. However, these claims are still pending as further medical examination is needed to determine if there is a relationship between the current diagnoses and service.

The Board has remanded the cases of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability and a left hip disability due to inadequate VA examination opinions.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the right knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and left upper extremity CTS were denied as there was no factual evidence of a worsening in symptoms prior to January 17, 2018.,An effective date of January 17, 2018 was assigned for all claims due to the Veteran's formal claim being received within one year of his Intent to File.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various orthopedic conditions due to new and updated VA treatment records being added to the file.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea, migraines, right elbow condition, lower back condition, and right knee condition due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The VA will need to provide additional examinations and obtain further medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation during the period from June 2, 2008 to July 26, 2021. The Board granted a TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's right shin splint (stress fracture) with bone cyst and associated knee instability have been granted a 10 percent evaluation effective from September 21, 2021. The issue of service connection for Chiari malformation remains on appeal.

The Veteran's knee disabilities have been rated based on their current functional limitations. The appeals for higher ratings were denied as the evidence did not show that any of the conditions warranted a rating in excess of those currently assigned.