Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's initial request for a higher rating for his left knee degenerative joint disease was denied. For the period from June 19, 2006 to February 1, 2018, he received a 10 percent rating based on limitation of motion. Beginning February 1, 2018, he is rated at 30 percent for his left knee degenerative joint disease.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for a right knee disability and service connection for gout of the left great toe. The Veteran's current right knee disability is related to his in-service injury, but the VA examiner's opinion was inadequate due to an incorrect assumption about treatment during service. For gout of the left great toe, the Board found that there is insufficient evidence to determine if it was caused by or aggravated by the service-connected bunion.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted as service connected. The claims for left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, low back disorder, and knee strains are remanded.

The Veteran's heart disorder is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, and he was granted a 100% rating for this condition. The right knee disability claim was denied as there was no evidence of an injury during service or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings in excess of the current ratings for his back, left knee, and left toe conditions is remanded due to procedural issues with a previous reduction decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been granted. The claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right knee disability and TDIU have been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee strain and instability have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition at any time.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear examination findings and a need for additional VA examination.

The Veteran's ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, as well as his lumbar spine disability, were reduced. The Board found that the reductions were improper and restored the original ratings of 30% for the right knee, 20% for the left knee, and 40% for the lumbar spine. The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and the appeal for a higher rating remains pending. The right ankle disability was remanded due to insufficient examination findings.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on multiple disabilities have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the service connection claims for various knee and ankle conditions, hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep apnea. The appellant's military duties are believed to have contributed to her current disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been withdrawn. The Board is remanding the remaining claims due to lack of a final decision and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, finding no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service.

The appeal of several issues has been remanded for further evaluation. The Veteran's PTSD claim is reopened and service connection is granted, but the right knee and teeth ratings are still under review.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left knee degenerative joint disease with scar, and an increased rating for a left wrist disability due to inadequate examination findings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee condition, to include right knee strain, was granted. The claims for increased rating on left shoulder disability and service connection for pes planus are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that her service-connected conditions do not preclude her from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's knee braces and pain cream have caused wear and tear to his clothing, meeting the criteria for an annual clothing allowance in 2017.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim for service connection for a right knee disability is granted. The case is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of any current right knee disability.