Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's rating for rheumatoid arthritis was restored to 40 percent, effective July 1, 2015. A 60 percent evaluation is granted for his service-connected left knee traumatic arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and effective date are remanded, while other issues have been dismissed or denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various disabilities of the back, hips, thighs, and right knee was reopened due to new and material evidence. The claims were subsequently granted as the evidence supports that these conditions are related to his military service and/or service-connected pes planus.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for further development, including obtaining additional private medical records from VCU/MCV.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination for both ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, lumbar strain/myositis, and left knee condition.

The Board has determined that there has not been substantial compliance with the remand instructions and thus, the claims for service connection of right shoulder, right knee, and neck conditions are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected left and right knee disabilities, including any functional loss due to flare-ups.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar disc disease and right knee patellar tendonitis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service trauma from IED blasts and carrying heavy equipment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues with his right foot deformity and its impact on his right knee disability. The decision is pending further examination and review.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and requests for authorization of private treatment records related to the Veteran's left knee disability. The issue of TDIU is not before the Board.

The Veteran's left knee disability, which includes a history of meniscectomy and current symptoms such as pain and effusion, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral foot disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of aggravation of pre-existing conditions or causation during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of low back condition and bilateral knee pain have been reopened due to new and material evidence. The claim for an effective date prior to November 11, 2017 for the increased evaluation of cervical spine disability has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical spine disability remains denied.

The Veteran's right knee condition is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded his claim for service connection of a left knee disability. The appeal remains pending.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion. The claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, characterized by painful motion and limited flexion and extension, does not warrant an increased evaluation in excess of the current 10 percent rating for flexion or a compensable evaluation for extension.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left and right knee conditions, as well as a lumbar spine condition, are being remanded due to insufficient examination reports. The Board requires updated VA treatment records and new examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back, bilateral hip, and bilateral knee disorders due to incomplete information in the record. The Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder is being evaluated, along with whether his bilateral hip and knee disorders are proximately caused or aggravated by his low back disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral ankle disability, left knee strain, and right knee arthritis need to be remanded due to the failure to obtain a medical opinion regarding their etiology. The AOJ is instructed to forward the case file to a qualified clinician who will provide an addendum opinion on the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU since February 2016, but the claim for prior to that period is denied. The decision focuses on his right knee disability and its impact on his ability to work.