Knee decisions — 2024

PTSD and COPD have been granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure during service. Left knee degenerative arthritis and lumbar degenerative disc disease have also been granted.,Right knee issues, including limitation of flexion, extension, lateral instability, and partial removal of semilunar cartilage, are all granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disorder is remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and the Veteran not having provided authorization for release of his non-VA medical records. The AOJ must make reasonable efforts to obtain these records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability has been granted. The Veteran is also granted an initial compensable rating for their RUE and LUE thoracic outlet syndrome, but the claims are remanded due to new evidence indicating worsening symptoms.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for his left knee disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination addressing functional impairment during flare-ups and the impact of the Veteran's symptoms on his ability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board has found that the claims of service connection for left shoulder, left knee, and low back disabilities need to be remanded due to new evidence being added by VA. The Veteran will have an opportunity to respond with a waiver or request review by the RO.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted based on current evidence of record.

The Board finds that the Veteran's VA Form 9 was timely filed, and thus reinstates his appeal regarding service connection for right shoulder, right knee, and bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to attend scheduled VA examinations. The issues include a trachea disorder, left knee laxity, DJD, DDD, sciatic nerve radiculopathy, urinary frequency, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has ordered remand for additional VA medical opinions to assess the severity of the Veteran's left knee DJD and instability disabilities during the period from January 20, 2009 to March 5, 2015. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for left knee GSW residuals under DCs 5311, 5313, and 5314 is remanded due to inadequate examination findings. The AOJ must schedule the Veteran for an adequate VA examination to determine the nature and severity of his left knee GSW residuals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various lower extremity and back disabilities, including lumbar spine, cervical spine, left hip, right hip, and left knee conditions. The reasons include inadequate prior examinations that did not adequately discuss the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability and his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left knee disability. The VA examiner relied on inaccurate facts and did not consider all relevant evidence, including a June 2000 orthopedic surgery consult note.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, in combination, precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. TDIU benefits are granted from June 5, 2017.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed to determine the nature and likely cause of any lumbar spine, left hip, and left knee disabilities. The issues remain in remanded status.

The Veteran's right knee disability meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU as of August 7, 2016. However, no VA Form 21-8940 has been completed by the Veteran to determine his eligibility for TDIU. The case is being remanded to provide the Veteran with another opportunity to complete this form and schedule him for an examination.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a right knee disability due to new evidence received. The hearing loss claim remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is denied as the form 21-8940 was not returned by the Veteran within one year of being requested.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for migraines, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and left hip disorder to allow VA to obtain outstanding private treatment records and schedule the Veteran for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD, lumbosacral strain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and anemia due to missing VA medical records and the need for updated examinations. The effective date is not addressed in this decision.