Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less.,Both right and left knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent. The Board determined that additional evidence regarding flareups or incapacitating episodes was needed for a higher rating, but did not find sufficient evidence to support such an increase.

The Board has found that further development is necessary regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disability due to in-service injury. The April 2013 VA examination was deemed inadequate as it did not properly address evidence of continuing symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for iliotibial band syndrome of the bilateral hip and knees have been denied as her symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has granted a compensable rating of 30% for the Veteran's tension headaches. The right and left knee disabilities are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are causing him to be unemployable, but the VA has not fully considered all of his conditions and their impact on employment. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's GERD was granted service connection as it began during active service. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, finding that the evidence did not show he was unemployable due to his disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability is reopened, and the appeal is remanded. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is also remanded.

The Veteran's headaches, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and upper/mid back condition are all granted.,However, the Veteran's claim for service connection of his upper/mid back condition is remanded due to a lack of a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder and headaches due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran is seeking direct service connection, not secondary service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis with hallux valgus, right knee disability, left ankle disability, and right ankle disability due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating determinations due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination. The claims are not decided at this time.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, neck condition, and right knee disability has been reopened. The Board finds that new evidence received within a year of the June 2002 rating decision supports these claims. Service connection is granted for major depressive disorder with TDIU due to service-connected major depression.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, as it is unclear whether his condition is secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The case will be returned for an addendum opinion from a medical professional.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right and left knee conditions, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence supporting a nexus to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for depressive disorder. The claims for right knee, left knee, and left ankle conditions are remanded due to lack of VA treatment records. The psychiatric disability claim is also remanded for additional medical opinion regarding the onset and relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee instability and arthritis have been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's left and right knee femoropatellar syndrome, finding that the evidence did not support higher or separate ratings than those currently assigned.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of bilateral total knee replacements and TDIU have been granted. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and increased ratings on multiple conditions is remanded due to the submission of new evidence that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claims.