Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, with no higher rating due to the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, and low back disabilities due to a lack of current disability evidence. The Veteran did not have a diagnosed right or left knee disability during her period of active duty service, nor does she currently have such disabilities. For the low back issue, the Board has remanded the case for further development including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the claims of service connection for various disabilities, including knee and shoulder conditions. The case is being remanded to obtain a VA examination to assess the etiology of these disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for a right knee disability, an initial increased rating for avulsion fracture talus with degenerative arthritis of the right foot, and an initial increased rating for left knee strain with patellofemoral pain syndrome and degenerative arthritis. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right knee disability was reduced from 30% to 10%, but the rating is now restored. Service connection for a right hip disability and low back disability as secondary to his right knee disability are granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and right knee disabilities, finding that symptoms of these conditions have been continuous since service separation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for panic disorder, GERD, and service connection for a right knee condition due to outstanding private treatment records not being obtained. The issues remain in appellate status.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease or injury during service and that the current condition is more likely due to normal wear and tear. The Board also found that the condition is not secondary to any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete development and failure to obtain addendum opinions. The Veteran's representative provided reasons for non-compliance with prior remand directives.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection are inextricably intertwined due to incomplete records of his periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA. The appeals have been REMANDED for further action.

The Veteran's initial rating for left knee strain due to limitation of motion is denied, but a separate 10 percent rating for instability is granted. The cases are remanded for further development regarding other issues.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a bilateral knee condition, joint pain (claimed as polyarthritis), and low back disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are MUCMIs.

The Veteran's headaches are granted a 50% rating as of July 24, 2018. The remaining issues on appeal (left shoulder condition, right shoulder labral tear with degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine disability, right knee condition, muscle strain of the bilateral arms, thighs, and calves, reactive airway disease with asthma, and IBS) are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and right knee conditions are not service-connected, as there is no evidence to support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fibromyalgia has been reopened and granted. The claims for right knee disability, left knee disability, eye disability, hypertension, and heart disability remain denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination reports and opinions, specifically regarding the Veteran's right knee patellofemoral syndrome (PFS). The Veteran is required to undergo a new VA examination to assess his current severity of the disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The Board found that the evidence supported a finding of in-service onset and continuity of symptomatology.,Service connection for left foot toenail disability, right foot toenail disability, left foot fungus disability, and right foot fungus disability were all granted. The Board determined that the evidence supported an in-service onset and continuity of symptomatology.

The Board denied SMC based on aid and attendance and/or housebound for the period from December 27, 2017 to November 23, 2020 due to lack of need for regular aid and attendance or permanent confinement.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequacy of the VA examiner's opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left knee disability. The Veteran is required to be examined by a VA physician to determine if his current condition is related to service.

The Veteran's left knee instability is granted a 20 percent rating, but no higher. The right shoulder disability prior to October 16, 2021, and TDIU prior to May 20, 2022, are denied. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is reopened.