Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted a 30% rating, but no higher, for the period prior to May 9, 2018. The Board also remanded several other claims due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various conditions, including psoriasis, lumbar spine disability, left knee and right knee disabilities, sinusitis, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection due to lack of in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine sprain with degenerative arthritis and left knee patellar tendonitis with degenerative arthritis due to incomplete development of medical opinions addressing potential ameliorative effects of medications.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and a VA examination to assess the combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disability, finding that the most probative evidence indicates the disability is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right distal tibia fracture with total knee replacement.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examination and additional development is required.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right upper extremity ulnar neuropathy prior to December 17, 2012 is remanded. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder is also remanded.

The Veteran's right below-the-knee amputation is rated at 40 percent, and his chronic kidney disease is rated at 80 percent from May 31, 2018.,Prior to May 31, 2018, the Veteran's chronic kidney disease was rated at 60 percent.,The Veteran has been granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities and unemployability.,Entitlement to a higher disability rating for right below-the-knee amputation is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and lumbar spine disabilities due to inadequate examination opinions regarding pre-service conditions and aggravation. The Veteran is also asked to provide any private medical records related to his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, and a higher rating is denied.,Service connection for tinnitus was granted effective May 20, 2015, which is the date of receipt of the claim. An earlier effective date is denied.,The Veteran's depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are found to have been incurred in service.,A back disability is not considered incurred in service due to lack of evidence showing continuity of symptoms since service.,Hypertension was not incurred in service, as there were no manifestations within one year of separation from service.,The Veteran's headaches are found to be proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus and depressive disorder.,A left knee disability is not considered incurred in service.,A right knee disability is not considered incurred in service.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the left knee, midfoot and tibiotalar joint degenerative changes with anterior osteophyte of the distal tibia and calcaneal spurring of the left ankle, and degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, most prominent at L4-L5, have been granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right-hand disability, left knee disability, left ankle disability, left foot disability, and right arm disability. The case is being returned to the Board for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination for the lumbar spine claim. The right knee disability is currently rated as 20% for limited extension and 10% for limited flexion since June 5, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for right, left knee disabilities and cervical spine disability. Additionally, the Board has also granted service connection for radiculopathy of the arms and legs secondary to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability and a right knee disability have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic hemorrhoids and remanded the issues of service connection for left knee disability and a compensable initial rating for scar, residual of left knee surgery.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a left knee disability due to errors in its previous decision, including not requiring a VA examination when one was needed. The case is now sent back for further review and an appropriate examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities and psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient medical evidence to decide the claim and has ordered additional examinations and opinions. The Veteran's right knee disorder may be related to service, but further examination and opinion are needed.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current respiratory disability and denied service connection for this condition.,Service connection is remanded for further development regarding exposure to herbicide agents and/or asbestos during military service.