Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims of service connection for respiratory disability, left knee instability with degenerative arthritis, and right knee degenerative arthritis have been granted. The decision also remanded the claim for nosebleeds of the left nostril.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected right knee disability and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected right knee instability due to inadequate VA examination reports. The RO is instructed to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for an adequate examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral shoulder, elbow, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to incomplete service treatment records. Additional medical opinions are needed to determine if these conditions were incurred in or caused by active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions and a painful abdominal condition due to insufficient evidence of their etiology. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee condition, sinus condition, bilateral feet pain, and back condition due to a lack of VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left shoulder and left knee injuries due to new evidence submitted by VA, but not reviewed by the AOJ. The appeal will be returned to the AOJ for review.

The Board has found the VA examination inadequate and requires further development, including a new medical examination to determine if the Veteran's right knee disability is related to his service.

The Veteran's earliest claim for service connection of left knee surgical scars was received on December 20, 1996. The effective date cannot be earlier than this date as the claim was not filed within a year of separation from active service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper development of the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee osteoarthritis. The matter will be readjudicated after all requested development has been completed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate etiology opinions, and will require new opinions regarding the Veteran's low back condition, right knee condition, left knee condition, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, right knee condition, arthritis of the right knee, left knee condition, and arthritis of the left knee. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on A&A or TDIU due to his ability to work and maintain employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from being able to perform daily activities and if he requires regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since June 9, 2020. Prior to that date, the rating was denied.,A separate 10 percent rating for right knee tendonitis with degenerative arthritis has been granted. The 20 percent rating for right knee instability and subluxation remains unchanged.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to a lack of adequate reasoning and bases regarding the theory of service connection based on in-service vaccinations. The VA is required to obtain opinions from an appropriate examiner regarding the etiology of his COPD, sleep apnea, gall bladder removal, inguinal hernia, knee disabilities, shoulder disabilities, and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disability due to insufficient medical opinions and potential conflicts in the provided evidence. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection, but the effective date is denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood) is remanded due to conflicting opinions regarding its onset.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted a separate rating of 20 percent from February 7, 2021 for repaired complete ligament tear causing persistent instability that requires a walker. The claims for increased ratings prior to March 15, 2016 and from March 15, 2016 are denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, and left knee disability claims are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) prior to April 11, 2014. The case is referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.