Knee Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral knee disability, but denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's initial claim for increased ratings for his thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis and right knee arthritis was denied. For the period prior to July 29, 2019, he is not entitled to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his back disability. Beginning July 29, 2019, he is also not entitled to a higher evaluation for his back disability.

The Veteran's neck disorder, low back disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and right hip disorder were denied. The claim for right ear hearing loss was reopened but not granted. All issues related to these conditions are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's left knee disability with degenerative joint disease, status post left knee arthroscopy, is now rated at 30 percent for limitation of extension from July 28, 2017. The Veteran also has instability of the left knee and a rating of 20 percent effective July 28, 2017.

The Veteran's right knee total arthroscopy is rated at 60 percent effective April 1, 2017. A separate 20 percent rating for meniscus disability with joint effusion from June 13, 2003 to February 6, 2016 is granted. The Veteran's right knee instability prior to February 6, 2016 is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to the need for additional VA examinations and the potential existence of outstanding treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus type II, foot disorders, erectile dysfunction, psychiatric disorder, prostate condition, and peripheral neuropathy. The Board found no evidence of a current disability in any of these areas or a causal link to service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, right knee arthritis, left hip arthritis, and right hip arthritis are presumed to have been incurred in service. The Veteran's right ankle disability and left shoulder arthritis and right shoulder arthritis are proximately due (subsequent manifestation) of his now service-connected arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the etiology of his psychiatric disorders, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder.

The Veteran's initial rating for loss of use of the right foot prior to May 7, 2012 was granted at 40 percent. The rating in excess of 40 percent from May 7, 2012 is denied. Service connection for low back condition and right knee conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left and right knee disabilities, and right shoulder condition due to lack of sufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee condition and TBI have been reopened due to new and material evidence. However, both claims were denied as there is no established link between the conditions and military service.

The claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision can be made.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left foot disability, right hip replacement with scar, and right knee DJD due to conflicting opinions on whether these conditions were aggravated by or caused by the Veteran's service-connected right foot condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee, wrist, hand, and head trauma with scar disabilities are not related to service. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims prior to the promulgation of a decision.,The Veteran also withdrew his claim seeking an earlier effective date for tinnitus.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including the right knee replacement and DJD, is being remanded for further development due to inadequate examination records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, variably diagnosed as intermittent explosive disorder, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, and personality disorder. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left knee disability. The claim will be reviewed again with a new VA examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine, low back, left shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities. The issues of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for limitation of abduction of the right hip; an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for limitation of extension of the right hip; and an initial compensable disability rating for limitation of flexion of the right hip prior to February 13, 2017 and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter are remanded.