Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right wrist disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and migraine headaches due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran was not properly notified of his scheduled VA examinations and it is unclear whether he was incarcerated at the time of these exams. Additionally, SSA disability benefits records are needed.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher evaluation.,PTSD has been assigned an initial evaluation of 70 percent, which is not in excess of what is warranted. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various lower extremity and knee disabilities are being remanded due to incomplete evidence, including outstanding private treatment records from Dr. M.G.

The Veteran's bilateral knee conditions, including degenerative arthritis and meniscal tears, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety), and residuals of a heat stroke are all remanded for further review.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to conflicting information regarding his employment history. Further development, including obtaining annual income statements from SSA and IRS tax returns, is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and requests a medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right knee condition.

The Veteran's hearing loss was denied increased ratings prior to April 20, 2018 and from April 20, 2018 onwards. The left knee issues were also denied increased ratings.,TDIU was dismissed as the matter had been granted in full in a previous rating decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee condition and a back strain condition due to inadequate medical opinions. The VA examiner is requested to provide updated opinions addressing the nature and etiology of these conditions, considering the lay testimony of record.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that the Veteran's preexisting conditions were aggravated by his active duty. Service connection was denied for a respiratory condition due to asbestos exposure during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and SMC were remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The case is now pending with the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on multiple service-connected conditions, including right knee disorders, PTSD, migraines, and TBI with vertigo, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the service-connected right ankle disability and the current right knee disability, as well as the need for additional treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea is granted. The claims for right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, a right shoulder disorder, a left shoulder disorder, a right knee disorder, and a left knee disorder are denied. The claim for service connection for a skin disorder (dyshidrotic eczema) is remanded. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee enthesopathy and bilateral wrist disorders, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn and are dismissed due to the withdrawal by his representative.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for cervical disc disease, right knee condition, and right shoulder rotator cuff injury based on new and material evidence. The original denials were due to lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and higher initial ratings for psychiatric disability due to inadequate examinations and failure to address relevant evidence. The Veteran's work history, past mental health hospitalizations, and current employment status are also being requested.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for right hip and left knee disabilities has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by his attorney.

The Veteran's left shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities have been granted service connection.,A separate rating of 10 percent has been granted for vertigo due to TBI. The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent.