Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee osteoarthritis and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs to provide updated VA treatment records from Memphis, TN, and obtain SSA disability records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the cause of his left knee meniscal tear, as well as incomplete VA treatment records. The Veteran is required to provide updated employment information and a VA Form 21-8940.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee disability due to inadequate VA examination and need for clarification on subjective and objective instability. Additionally, another psychiatric evaluation is required to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected lumbar strain, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, right ankle strain, and left ankle strain have been denied. The evidence does not support a higher rating in any of these cases.,The Veteran's lumbar strain is currently rated at 20 percent disabling based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees and combined range of motion of at least 120 degrees. The evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent disabling based on painful motion with full extension to at least 65 degrees, including during flare-ups and after repetitive use over time. The evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent disabling based on painful motion with full extension to at least 80 degrees, including during flare-ups and after repetitive use over time. The evidence does not support a higher rating.,On or after July 14, 2016, the Veteran's right ankle strain is currently rated at 10 percent disabling based on painful motion with dorsiflexion to at least 9 degrees and plantar flexion to at least 20 degrees. The evidence does not support a higher rating.,On or after July 14, 2016, the Veteran's left ankle strain is currently rated at 10 percent disabling based on painful motion with dorsiflexion to at least 9 degrees and plantar flexion to at least 20 degrees. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records, including those from non-VA providers through the Community Care Network. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as the nature of the Veteran's employment and earnings is unclear.

The Veteran's right knee extension was limited to at worst 15 degrees from February 16, 2016, to September 10, 2018. The Veteran also had frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint for dislocated semilunar cartilage from February 16, 2016, to September 10, 2018. Right knee instability was noted but not severe enough to warrant a higher rating. The right TKA is currently rated at 30 percent and denied any increase in rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and back disorders have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities and right little finger disability were denied increased ratings, while the TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient nexus opinions regarding the Veteran's right knee disability. The Veteran contends his current condition is related to an in-service injury, supported by service treatment records and VA examination findings.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 50% rating from January 18, 2018 to October 16, 2019. A 70% rating for PTSD is granted from October 17, 2019. The nontoxic diffuse goiter with fatigue and breathing complaints are rated at a 50% since the Veteran's symptoms do not meet criteria for hypothyroidism or related residuals. Initial compensable ratings of 10% are assigned for left and right knee limitations of extension and instability, respectively.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee conditions, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service or any link to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of right and left knee disabilities have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The Board will consider new evidence received since the last denial.

The Veteran's right knee disability claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private medical records from Dr. Skala.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, as well as a claim for residuals of a right ankle fracture secondary to these conditions. The Veteran's lay assertions and medical records indicate ongoing symptoms since active service.

The Veteran's lung cancer, right knee strain, and left knee strain are not service-connected. The lumbosacral strain is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left hip and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities. The TDIU claim for the period prior to June 16, 2014 is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings in several service-connected disabilities are remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD has been granted, effective February 10, 2017. The Board also found that the Veteran's lumbar disorder is service connected and assigned an effective date of February 10, 2017.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of evidence meeting VA criteria for hearing loss.,The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right knee disability, gout, acid reflux (GERD), and sleep disorder (including sleep apnea and insomnia) as well as hypertension.