Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of multiple joints are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Board has identified several issues that must be addressed, including those related to RA of the cervical spine, right and left shoulders, and wrists.

The Board has restored a 20% disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected left knee instability effective February 1, 2019. The reduction from 20% to zero percent was not proper due to lack of improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Board has found that additional relevant evidence has been added to the claims file and has remanded the case for readjudication by the RO.

The application to reopen the claims of service connection for gastrointestinal disability and right arm disability is granted. The application to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral degenerative changes of the hands and right knee arthritis is also granted.,The Veteran's current gastrointestinal disability, including GERD, may be related to his service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder or due to medications taken for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the Veteran's left knee disability, finding that there is a reasonable possibility he is unemployable.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee strains and TBI have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of increased ratings for DD of the lumbosacral spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as the issue of a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his right and left knee disabilities, lumbar spine disorder, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). The case will be returned to the Board after the requested development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple joints and feet is being remanded due to incomplete service history provided by the VA examiner.,Additional evidence will be sought, and a new opinion will be obtained regarding the relationship of these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, restoring a 20 percent rating for left knee meniscal tear with instability and denying entitlement to higher ratings for the knee disability. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for right knee, left hip, and right hip disabilities. The cases are remanded for additional development including VA examinations and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to outstanding non-VA treatment records that were not obtained. The Veteran is also being asked to provide private treatment records from Bend Surgery Center, Providence Health & Service, Total Care/Loyal Care, and Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed exposure to herbicide agents in Okinawa and contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The VA is instructed to attempt verification of these exposures and provide a medical opinion on the etiology of the disabilities.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations conducted in May and July 2023 were not adequate for adjudicating the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral knee condition, to include as secondary to pes planus. The claim is being remanded again for further development.

The Veteran's OSA is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, major depressive disorder, and insomnia. The effective date for this grant of service connection is September 2, 2015.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of flexion and extension, as well as instability, is rated at 10 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to May 16, 2011. The Board denied entitlement to TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate due to lack of substantial evidence showing marginal employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of a VA Form 10182, which was not appropriate for his legacy system appeals. The AOJ must issue an SOC and allow the Veteran to file a substantive appeal if he wishes to continue his appeal under the legacy appeals system.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, but the Board finds no evidence of a claim prior to September 23, 2011.,The issue of entitlement to TDIU is remanded as it is intertwined with the increased rating issues for the right knee.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and medical opinions are inadequate for determining the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions. The Veteran's service-connected left foot disability is believed to have caused or aggravated his current back, hip, and knee conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on four knee and back disabilities have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew all issues on appeal prior to a decision being made.