Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an extension of a temporary total evaluation from February 1, 2013 to December 1, 2013 for partial replacement of the right knee is granted as he was entitled to a total evaluation for one year following his partial knee replacement.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities require the aid and assistance of another person due to his inability to prepare meals, bathe, dress, manage medications, and get around the house.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his knee and lumbar spine disabilities were denied. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, gout, a left shoulder disability, and a heart disability (claimed as triple bypass-heart with defibrillator/pacemaker) have been dismissed due to withdrawal of appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is service-connected as it was incurred during his military service.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and further development is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports, requiring further evaluation of the Veteran's left knee conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back and left knee disabilities, finding that VA examinations are needed to determine their etiology. The issues remain on appeal as secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or maintaining gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The claims are currently pending.,Service connection is denied for bilateral shoulder condition, bilateral knee condition, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's initial rating for GERD was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for TDIU was also denied due to the Veteran's ability to perform sedentary work.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeals.,The Board has also remanded several issues, including an evaluation for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, a compensable evaluation for left testicular varicocele with right testicular pain and tenderness, an evaluation for restless leg syndrome, and service connection for a traumatic brain injury.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date, finding that there was no evidence of a need for regular aid and attendance prior to September 17, 2013. The decision is based on the Veteran's testimony and medical records indicating periods of assistance but not a consistent need.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate and remands the case for further examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee osteoarthritis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent disabling for service-connected right knee strain prior to June 16, 2021 and from June 16, 2021 due to incomplete medical examination findings.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a right knee disability is granted. Service connection for tinnitus is also granted. The Board finds that the claims of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome, scoliosis, and right sciatic radulopathy are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities and right foot bunions are also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee degenerative arthritis and thoracolumbar spine DDD, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other manifestations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various hip, knee, and ankle conditions due to incomplete development of records and insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disability, service connection for a right ankle condition and diabetes mellitus, type II, and service connection for sleep apnea due to inadequate medical opinions in previous decisions.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for further development due to the submission of additional evidence not previously reviewed by the AOJ. The Veteran's increased rating claim for left knee disability, service connection claims for eye disability, joint pain, neck disability, headaches, and prostate cancer are all being remanded.