Knee Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for mechanical low back pain and retropatellar pain syndrome of the left knee due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his failure to report for VA examinations and because of an earlier effective date claim. The claims will be remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased disability ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including total knee replacement surgery and residuals, is granted as secondary to their service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are inadequate due to a lack of information regarding functional loss during flare-ups. Therefore, new VA examinations are required.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and his major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent prior to January 23, 2018, and 70 percent from that date. Both ratings are denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of entitlement to initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for right and left knee arthritis due to inadequate VA examinations.

The reduction in the disability rating for extension of the right knee from 30 percent to 0 percent was improper and void ab initio, and the 30 percent rating is restored. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings and secondary service connection for various disabilities, including lower back pain, left ankle, left hip, right hip, and right knee disabilities, are denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions that these conditions were caused by his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the claims due to new evidence being submitted after the last decision. The Veteran did not waive AOJ consideration of this evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle and knee disabilities, as well as headaches of unknown etiology and general weakness. However, these claims are still pending as they have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of a right knee meniscus tear was granted. The Board also found that the Veteran's hypertension, which has required continuous medication, does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection of his left ankle and right knee disabilities has been dismissed.,An initial rating higher than 10 percent prior to August 9, 2016 for the Veteran’s left ankle disability is denied. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU based on his service-connected left ankle and right knee disabilities is remanded.

The Veteran's GERD is granted with a 30 percent rating for the entire period on appeal. The RO has remanded cases regarding increased ratings for his left and right knee DJD, as well as traumatic arthritis of both ankles.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, increased ratings for various knee and ankle disabilities, a compensable rating for bilateral pes planus, and an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for hypothyroidism. The claims are being remanded to allow for further development including VA examinations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an extraschedular rating for his left knee disorder based on difficulty sleeping and a TDIU. The case is being remanded to allow for further consideration of these issues.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on various conditions have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded several issues including service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, and a Supplemental Statement of the Case needs to be issued.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's right knee disability and hearing loss/tinnitus. The Veteran needs a VA examination for these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various hip and knee disabilities, as well as a left shoulder disability due to lack of consideration of his lay statements regarding in-service stressors.