Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his left knee conditions was denied. The appeals for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability were also denied.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to his withdrawal of these appeals prior to a decision being made. The Veteran was granted a 100% rating for PTSD from November 21, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's left knee disability and his service-connected right knee disability. The VA needs to obtain an addendum opinion from a different examiner that addresses whether the left knee disability had its onset in service, is related to service, or was aggravated by the right knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a deviated septum has been reopened, and the Board finds that his testimony regarding an in-service motor vehicle accident is new and material evidence. Service connection for cervical degenerative disc disease is granted. The Veteran's claims for service connection for inguinal hernia, left knee condition, and right knee condition are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee conditions was granted, with the highest possible rating of 30% being assigned effective February 27, 2023. The TDIU claim prior to December 3, 2014, was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and denied it for right ear hearing loss. The claims of service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to incomplete records and inadequate examination reports.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional evidence. The issues include left knee, right knee, skin, bilateral pes planus, and respiratory disabilities (asthma).

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to appear for VA examinations and requests for additional information regarding the examiners' qualifications. The case will be further developed by obtaining an addendum opinion from a qualified examiner.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to insufficient evidence in previous examinations, particularly regarding functional loss during flare-ups.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of a skull fracture is denied as there is no evidence of an additional disability. The right eye disability claim is also denied due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to service.,The claims for acquired psychiatric disability and bilateral knee disabilities are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran experienced in-service injuries and chronic symptoms since separation.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration, including providing a VA medical opinion regarding noise exposure during service and considering additional lay statements provided by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to include obtaining a VA examination for the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee tendinitis with osteoarthritis and a compensable rating for limitation of extension prior to November 13, 2023, and in excess of 40 percent from that date is denied. The TDIU claim prior to April 20, 2018, is also denied.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for his scar, status post left knee laceration (three sutures), is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show that the scar was painful or unstable at any point during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional procedural and evidentiary development, including verifying the exact dates of the appellant's Active Duty Training (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty Training (INACDUTRA) periods in his Army National Guard service. The AOJ is also instructed to adjudicate the claims on the merits.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder other than the service-connected IBS, kidney stones and renal insufficiency, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression, anxiety, PTSD, and sleep disorder), migraine headaches, heart disorder, bilateral knee disorder, hypertension, DVT, glaucoma, cholesterol, and fibromyalgia are all remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's service connection claims will be remanded to determine the etiology of his gastrointestinal disorders, kidney stones and renal insufficiency, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression, anxiety, PTSD, and sleep disorder), migraine headaches, heart disorder, bilateral knee disorder, hypertension, DVT, glaucoma, cholesterol, and fibromyalgia.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine arthritis and stenosis, left hip arthritis, bilateral knee arthritis, arthritis and radiculopathy of the bilateral feet, and arthritis and neuropathy of the bilateral hands.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral shoulder disorder and bilateral knee disorder as there is no evidence of in-service injury or chronicity of symptoms, and the Veteran's assertions are not credible.