Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the appeal due to the need for a new VA examination to evaluate the current level of severity of the Veteran's knee disabilities. The issues on appeal include evaluations for various knee conditions and scars.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding that they are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected shin splints and feet disability.,The Veteran is also granted a 10% rating for each of his bilateral shin splint disabilities.

The Board denied an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right knee instability, finding that the Veteran's current impairment does not warrant a higher rating based on his symptoms and examination findings.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of flexion and instability, is rated at 20 percent. The claim for a higher rating remains denied as the evidence does not support an increase in these ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left shoulder and right knee disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their relationship to service.

The Board has found that additional development is needed before the Veteran's claims for higher initial disability evaluations for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the left knee and right knee can be adjudicated on the merits. The case is being remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the progression of the Veteran’s bilateral knee symptomatology, with an emphasis on functional limitations during flare-ups.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and right ear retracted tympanic membrane.,Right knee and low back disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including heart disability, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy in various extremities, and a psychiatric disorder. The primary issue is whether these conditions are secondary to his service-connected PTSD or due to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's left knee disability status post total knee replacement is rated at a maximum of 60 percent, and his right knee with limitation of flexion is rated at 10 percent. A separate 10 percent rating for right knee instability is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin disorder, vertigo/dizziness disorder, right knee disorder, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a direct relationship to active duty service.

The Board dismissed all appeals due to the Veteran's death before a decision was made.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions regarding his shoulder, back, and knee disabilities. The hypertension claim is also remanded with additional instructions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee condition, finding that it is not related to his military service or secondary to his service-connected diverticulitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left knee condition, specifically whether it is related to his in-service injury during combat.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for entitlement to increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities due to a lack of recent VA examination, which is needed to assess current severity.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to deficiencies in the medical opinions provided. The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea, as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, and his request for an increased rating for left knee residuals prior to March 1, 2017, are both being reviewed.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for service connection and increased ratings. The Veteran's attorney requested additional development related to the competency of VA examiners and the need for new medical opinions on various issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, finding that there was no evidence of arthritis within one year of separation from active duty and no medical nexus between the current condition and service.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective October 31, 2011. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for left knee disability and service connection for right knee disability are being remanded due to inadequate development.