Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected low back disability was denied, and the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted based on limitation of motion. The effective date for the grant of a 40 percent evaluation for the low back disability remains April 23, 2015.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his service-connected low back disability was denied because it was not factually ascertainable that the condition had increased in severity prior to August 22, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for additional information regarding the severity of the Veteran's left knee disability, including during flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology and service connection.

The Veteran's right knee condition is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board denied a higher evaluation based on limited flexion.,For his left inguinal hernia, the Veteran was granted service connection but remains without a compensable rating due to lack of true hernia protrusion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and the need for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding no evidence of such conditions during or related to service. The claim for secondary service connection for a right ankle fracture due to IVDS was remanded.

The Board has remanded several claims for service connection, including those for bilateral shoulder disability and left knee disability. The heart disability claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for left knee scar is granted, recurrent sinusitis remains at a 10 percent rating, lumbar spine disorder receives a 40 percent rating, right wrist disorder maintains its 10 percent rating, and the Veteran is awarded an initial 20 percent rating from November 28, 2012 to February 22, 2018 for left knee status post arthroscopy with limited flexion.

The Veteran's hypertension and sinusitis have been granted service connection. The initial ratings for PTSD, post-concussive migraines, left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, and lumbar spondylosis are remanded.,A new examination is needed to assess the severity of the Veteran's bilateral knee conditions and his lumbar spondylosis. The Veteran may also need a VR&E evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for clothing allowances for braces used for his service-connected left knee, right knee, and back disabilities in calendar year 2015 due to lack of documentation showing use of these braces during that period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for his service-connected right knee lateral meniscus tear, sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), status-post cholecystectomy are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for psoriatic arthritis, digestive disorder, and diabetes mellitus have been denied. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure or service connection.

The Board has determined that the April 2007 and January 2014 rating decisions are not final, and as such, these claims should be construed as original claims for service connection. The Veteran's right knee disorder, back disorder, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) claims are remanded due to a lack of consideration of relevant VA examination reports.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for her back and knee disabilities, as well as her sleep condition due to incomplete examinations and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee and left ankle disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The right knee disability issue is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee disability, finding that it did not manifest in service and is not otherwise related to service. The preponderance of evidence supports this conclusion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for schizophrenia, PTSD, and various other conditions have been denied. The claim for joint pain, right knee condition, status post left leg fracture with pin placement, eye condition, sinusitis, acid reflux, hepatitis C, erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate, and athlete’s foot has also been denied due to lack of evidence of in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, as his depression is aggravated by non-service connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and evaluation of his tinnitus, left knee pain, lumbar strain, and right knee arthralgia. The VA will obtain updated medical records and schedule the Veteran for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.