Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee condition and a back strain condition due to inadequate medical opinions. The VA examiner is requested to provide updated opinions addressing the nature and etiology of these conditions, considering the lay testimony of record.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that the Veteran's preexisting conditions were aggravated by his active duty. Service connection was denied for a respiratory condition due to asbestos exposure during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and SMC were remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The case is now pending with the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on multiple service-connected conditions, including right knee disorders, PTSD, migraines, and TBI with vertigo, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the service-connected right ankle disability and the current right knee disability, as well as the need for additional treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea is granted. The claims for right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, a right shoulder disorder, a left shoulder disorder, a right knee disorder, and a left knee disorder are denied. The claim for service connection for a skin disorder (dyshidrotic eczema) is remanded. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee enthesopathy and bilateral wrist disorders, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn and are dismissed due to the withdrawal by his representative.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for cervical disc disease, right knee condition, and right shoulder rotator cuff injury based on new and material evidence. The original denials were due to lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and higher initial ratings for psychiatric disability due to inadequate examinations and failure to address relevant evidence. The Veteran's work history, past mental health hospitalizations, and current employment status are also being requested.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for right hip and left knee disabilities has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by his attorney.

The Veteran's left shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities have been granted service connection.,A separate rating of 10 percent has been granted for vertigo due to TBI. The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the findings of a prior VA examination. A new VA examination is needed for the right knee.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional development, including obtaining VA and non-VA treatment records related to the Veteran's right shoulder, right foot, right wrist, right knee, back, and hearing loss disorders.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities and for service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart condition, and stroke residuals are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right shoulder, left shoulder, right knee, left knee, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities. Service connection is also granted for his back disability. The claim for service connection of hemorrhoids was remanded.

The Veteran's right knee limitation of motion was not found to be severe enough for a higher rating, as it did not meet the criteria for flexion limited to 30 degrees or more.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, bilateral knee condition (to include arthritis), bilateral hearing loss, and psychiatric condition due to a lack of service records and incomplete information regarding the Veteran's reported stressor.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating for left knee condition, right knee condition, lumbar myofascial strain, asthma, and status post left heel laceration residuals, including scar. Additional development is required to obtain private medical records and provide a VA examination.

The Veteran's left knee instability has not been shown to be greater than moderate in degree, and he is currently receiving a 20 percent rating for this condition. The appeal was denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.