Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left knee osteoarthritis due to a lack of adequate examination in the initial decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for right and left knee strains with osteoarthritis and limitation of flexion have been denied.,The previously denied claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, has been dismissed as the issue is moot due to the award of service connection for insomnia disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee disability was denied as there is no confirmed diagnosis and the evidence does not show any functional impairment. The Board found that the current symptoms do not amount to a disability.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU is remanded due to the need for additional relevant VA treatment records, specifically from her physical therapy sessions.

The Board has determined that the appeal is remanded to clarify which condition (PCL or ACL) the Veteran's right knee disability concerns and to determine if a rating in excess of 10 percent is warranted for his status post anterior cruciate ligament repair and meniscus debridement, with arthritis, of the right knee.

The Board has dismissed the claim for TDIU prior to January 31, 2019 due to maximization of compensation. The case is remanded for referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the claims for service connection for gastrointestinal disability and right knee disability prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues regarding increased ratings for knee instability and a claim of entitlement to a Total Disability Rating Based on Unemployability (TDIU). The TDIU issue is related to service-connected disabilities, but the specific conditions are not specified in the decision.

The Veteran's petition to reopen her claim for service connection for Parkinson's disease was denied. The Board also remanded several other claims related to her lumbar spine, right knee, left knee, and left hip disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee condition is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his disability.

The Board has remanded the cases due to outstanding VA treatment records and missing Virginia Army National Guard service treatment records. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and left knee condition are being reviewed for possible service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating for his lower back condition, right knee condition, left knee disability, and TDIU due to insufficient evidence in the record. The Veteran is also requested to provide updated VA treatment records and documents related to his SSA disability benefits application.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to July 14, 2011, precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disability, low back disability, left forearm scar, cervical spine strain, and left ankle sprain due to incomplete opinions. The Veteran's lay statements regarding onset of his disabilities are not credible.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for various disabilities, including back disability, hip disabilities, nerve disabilities, and knee disabilities. The case is being returned to VA for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo is denied as he does not have this condition.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, major depression disorder, anxiety disorder, insomnia) is denied. The Veteran submitted opinions from private doctors stating that he has these conditions, but the Board finds their opinions outweighed by other medical evidence of record and insufficient to establish a current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is denied as there is no in-service noise exposure documented and his STRs do not show any relevant symptoms. The VA examiner found that his diagnosed hearing loss is less likely than not related to service.,Service connection for a back disorder, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right lower extremity nerve disorder, and left lower extremity nerve disorder are denied as the Veteran's STRs do not show any relevant symptoms. The VA examiner found that his diagnosed conditions are less likely than not related to service.,Service connection for a heart disorder (atrial fibrillation, bradycardia) is denied as there is no in-service noise exposure documented and the VA examiners found that his atrial fibrillation is at least as likely as not related to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's STRs show he had a benign heart murmur at entrance to service.,Service connection for bilateral lower extremity edema (right and left) is denied as there is no in-service noise exposure documented and the VA examiners found that his diagnosed conditions are less likely than not related to service.,Service connection for hypertension prior to August 10, 2022 is denied. The Veteran's STRs show he had a benign heart murmur at entrance to service and the VA examiner found that his bradycardia is at least as likely as not related to herbicide exposure.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction prior to August 10, 2022 is denied. There is no in-service noise exposure documented and the Veteran's STRs show he had a benign heart murmur at entrance to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee disability, finding that it had its onset during his active duty service. The decision is based on the Veteran's lay statements and service treatment records.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for various conditions, including right knee, left knee, right ankle, left ankle, cervical spine, low back, sleep apnea, and post-concussion syndrome. The appeals are now remanded to further develop evidence related to these claims.

The Veteran's VA disability compensation benefits were restored for 35 days and reimbursed $1,764.00 due to improper withholding of benefits in FY 2012 and 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for further medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.