Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate previous examinations and a need for a retrospective medical opinion regarding the Veteran's left knee disability from June 2017 to June 2023.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for her left knee disabilities prior to June 18, 2019 and from August 1, 2020 were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical examination and treatment records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings and temporary total rating, effectively dismissing all issues.

The Veteran's left knee strain is rated at 10 percent, and his right leg condition (weakness and loss of coordination) claim is denied.,The Board found no current diagnosis for the claimed right leg condition.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess all of the Veteran's disabilities, including his substance abuse disorders and their impact on his ability to work. The examiner is asked to determine whether the Veteran's substance abuse disorders are due to willful misconduct or treatment for other conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine, left shoulder, right shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred during or related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and left knee instability due to inadequate examinations, including those related to joint function during flare-ups and a meniscal condition.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to properly address the Veteran's claims for an increased rating, TDIU, and SMC due to her service-connected right knee condition. The VA must obtain any outstanding Social Security Administration (SSA) records and VA treatment records before proceeding with a decision on these matters.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his left knee disability was denied. The RO granted a 20 percent rating for limitation of flexion from September 18, 2015 to April 10, 2019 and a 40 percent rating for limitation of extension starting April 11, 2019.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is rated at 10 percent prior to August 1, 2023 and at 20 percent from that date. The left ankle fracture and dislocation are currently rated at 20 percent. The left hip strain with arthritis and right hip strain with arthritis remain rated at 20 percent each. The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis with knee instability is rated at 10 percent prior to August 1, 2023 and remains rated at 40 percent from that date.,The Board has remanded the cases of left hip strain with arthritis and right hip strain with arthritis for additional examination. The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis with knee instability is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information on unreimbursed medical expenses and the need for a VA examination to assess the Veteran's physical and mental conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for low back and right knee conditions, as well as an initial rating for left knee disability and TDIU. The Veteran's symptoms of pain in her right knee and back are being evaluated.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for issues of service connection and ratings for various conditions. The Board is remanding several cases for further development.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, heart disorder, cervical spine disorder, migraine headaches, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction (ED), left knee disorder (secondary to right knee disability), bilateral thumb disorders, bilateral index finger disorders, bilateral little finger disorders, bilateral middle finger disorders, bilateral ring finger disorders, bilateral shoulder disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities (secondary to lumbar spine disability), and bilateral elbow disorder are all being remanded for further examination and evidence collection.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his request for a hearing and the Board finds that he has satisfied all requirements to dismiss the issue.,Service connection is granted for right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and sciatica of both lower extremities secondary to lumbar spine strain. The Veteran will need further examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as he has not provided authorization for the release of his federal tax returns and additional information regarding his employment status during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to decide the claims for service connection of Erectile Dysfunction, left knee disability, and right knee disability. The Veteran's reports of symptoms during service are considered in determining whether there is a link between his current conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and right ankle disorder due to outstanding medical records and additional opinions are needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right knee disabilities were denied, with the effective dates for the granted ratings being August 24, 2015.

The Board denied service connection for heart disability, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), back disability, shoulder disability, and knee disability as there was no evidence of onset during or related to active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee, hip, and shoulder disabilities due to an inadequate VA medical opinion in the March 2023 decision. The Veteran contends that his current musculoskeletal disabilities are related to combat injuries during service.