Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for further action on issues related to lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance. The initial compensable ratings for right and left lower extremity scars remain denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and adaptive equipment, as his conditions are not severe enough to warrant such benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for VR&E benefits, other than employment services, to include training in pursuit of a career as an attorney. The decision is based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his vocational goal.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disability, finding that it is proximately due to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding treatment records and inadequate medical opinions. The claims will be addressed again with additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional private medical records from Dr. S.R., as there appear to be outstanding records that are relevant to his bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain missing service treatment records and private medical records, as well as to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right knee disabilities have been rated at 10 percent each, but the Board has determined that these ratings are not warranted due to the lack of evidence of incapacitating exacerbations or other factors justifying a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, migraine headaches, and denied service connection for back, neck, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination for hypertension.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have gastroenteritis that was incurred in or due to his time in service. The claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded as updated examinations are needed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information from a previous VA examination regarding the Veteran's left knee arthritis. The Veteran will need to undergo another examination to provide accurate information about his condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his left knee disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, but the evidence does not support a higher rating. The Board has remanded the case for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations. The left knee osteoarthritis and ACL reconstruction, as well as the right knee degenerative changes, are all rated at 10 percent each since February 25, 2020 for painful limitation of extension.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and left knee degenerative arthritis have been granted service connection. The initial rating for the left knee has also been granted at a 20% level.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of his right ankle disorder, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and service connection for right knee disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of marked limitation of motion or ankylosis to warrant higher evaluations.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, finding that the Veteran's assertions of ongoing symptoms since his service were not credible and there was no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, taking into consideration his statements and evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peptic ulcer disease was reopened and granted. Service connection for gastrointestinal disorder, to include as diagnosed as peptic ulcer disease, is also granted. The claims for right knee disability and PTSD are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip condition, left hip condition, and left knee condition due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his active-duty service.