Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for bone spurs of the bilateral feet and a bilateral knee condition was granted. The petitions for service connection for a respiratory condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), neck pain, chronic low back pain, and corns and calluses of the bilateral feet were denied.

The Board dismissed all appeals related to various disability ratings and effective dates for service connection, as the Veteran withdrew her appeal in its entirety.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to September 12, 2022, and on and after March 1, 2023, for left knee disability due to lack of adequate VA examination.

The Board has granted a Total Disability Rating for Individual Unemployability (TDIU) from June 1, 2008 due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's anterior bridge of nose disfigurement is rated at 10 percent for the period prior to February 21, 2020. From February 21, 2020, a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of four characteristics of disfigurement. The Veteran's left knee strain and shin splints are each rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left knee disability and separate rating for instability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on flexion limitation, but granted a separate rating for instability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for emphysema, headache condition, bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder, left knee strain, and right knee strain due to an improper filing of a Notice of Disagreement (NOD).

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, CFS, lumbar and dorsal spine disorders, right wrist disorder, and right knee disorder. The claims are being remanded to allow for further investigation and medical opinions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not shown to be present during service or within the applicable presumptive period, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology. The Board denied service connection for this condition.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a current left knee disability that is related to service. The Veteran did not have any documented knee injuries in service, and her separation examination was negative for any complaints or findings regarding the knees. She also testified that she treated her knee pain with over-the-counter medication during service without seeking further treatment.,The Veteran's right knee condition was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period; continuity of symptomatology is not established; and the disability is not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease. The Board denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his depressive disorder and hypertension with renal kidney cancer, have led to a combined rating of 80 percent. However, the Board found insufficient evidence to support a TDIU due to the Veteran's failure to cooperate in providing necessary information.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis is rated at 30 percent for limitation of flexion, and a separate 20 percent rating is granted for instability. The rating for limitation of extension remains noncompensable.

The Veteran's clothing allowances for a left knee brace and right knee brace, related to service-connected left knee disability and right knee disability, are granted for the calendar years 2013 and 2014.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete VA examinations and other procedural issues. The Veteran is advised that she should be rescheduled for the required VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence received after the October 2018 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including sleep apnea, cervical spine disorder, right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder. The remand is due to insufficient examinations and the need to consider whether the Veteran's reported symptoms are related to his military service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of right and left knee osteoarthritis, finding that the previous VA opinions were inadequate. The Veteran's current knee conditions are being evaluated in relation to his service-connected right foot disability.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for obtaining additional VA and private medical records, as well as requesting authorization for private medical records from various providers.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee disability (limitation of flexion) and limitation of extension due to additional evidence received after the December 2022 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to establish service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that his current condition is related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for a bilateral foot disorder, knee disorders, hip disorder, back disorder, shoulder disorder, tailbone disorder, and right ear hearing loss due to incomplete military records. The increased rating claim for left ear hearing loss is also remanded.