Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip, right knee, and lumbar spine disorders due to inadequate medical opinions. The issues are now before the Board again.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD, service connection for right and left knee disorders, and TDIU due to ongoing medical issues and potential inconsistencies in the evidence.

The Veteran's right knee and left knee disabilities, as well as his lumbar spine disability, have been granted increased ratings based on their manifestations of pain, joint locking, and functional impairment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to March 19, 2018, are being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left knee osteoarthritis was denied as the evidence did not show flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, which is required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, anxiety disorder, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, degenerative arthritis of the bilateral knees, and instability of the knees, have prevented him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for new medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's knee and hip disorders are aggravated by his service-connected back disorder or radiculopathy disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability and a lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to February 26, 2020. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal because the VA Form 10182 was incorrectly docketed and does not comply with the requirements for appeals filed before February 19, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, left knee disability, right knee disability, PTSD, erectile dysfunction, and low back disability have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew these claims prior to a decision being made.,Service connection has been granted for hemorrhoids. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his service.

The Veteran's right knee disability was reduced from a 50% evaluation to noncompensable effective November 1, 2018. The reduction is upheld as the evidence does not show sustained improvement in his condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and his right knee disability remains at a 10 percent rating.,The Veteran's right knee instability is granted a separate 10 percent rating from January 30, 2018.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left ankle and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of potential separate or extraschedular ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for right knee degenerative arthritis and residuals of a right knee injury with anterior cruciate ligament and meniscal tears based on instability due to insufficient range of motion testing in weight-bearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the aid and attendance of another to perform activities of daily living and protect him from hazards. However, he is not permanently housebound due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to non-compliance with previous directives. The Veteran's knee conditions are being evaluated again, including a new x-ray and an opinion on whether his current conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and her current hypertension. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the physical loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, nor ankylosis of either knee. Therefore, he does not qualify for financial assistance in purchasing a vehicle with adaptive equipment.

The Board denied service connection for right knee and low back disabilities, finding that the current conditions are not related to events in service.