Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, sciatica of the bilateral lower extremities, and a bilateral knee disability are denied. A 20% rating is granted for lumbosacral spine disability effective September 14, 2017.

The appeal seeking nonservice-connected pension is dismissed. The appeals for increased ratings of the lumbar spine and left knee injuries are denied, but a separate 10 percent rating is granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations, as well as compliance with recent court opinions regarding range of motion testing.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left knee disability and dental disability. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if his current disabilities are related to service, specifically whether they were aggravated by ACDUTRA in 1991 for the left knee issue, or caused by a failure to exercise proper care during an in-service tooth extraction for the dental issue.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for a back disorder, as well as the ratings for right and left knee disabilities. The Veteran's representative argued that his current back disorder is caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. Additional information regarding flare-ups of the Veteran’s knee symptoms is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a torn medial meniscus, right knee is granted. The Board also remanded the case to obtain an updated VA examination of his left total knee arthroplasty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should receive new VA examinations and opinions for his flat feet and skin disorder claims because the February 2014 VA examiner's opinions are based upon inaccurate factual premises. The remanded matters include obtaining updated VA treatment records, a letter from the Veteran's treating podiatrist, and an opinion regarding any current skin disorders.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's knee and spinal disabilities, including increased ratings for right knee osteochondritis dessicans and instability, left knee osteochondritis dessicans, service connection for degenerative changes in the thoracolumbar spine, and service connection for degenerative changes in the cervical spine. The claims are remanded due to new evidence and need further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to insufficient evidence and need for updated examinations.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent, and his right knee instability is rated at 20 percent. The appeal for increased ratings or TDIU was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, pain disorder, and erectile dysfunction have been denied.,The Board found that the evidence did not establish a current disability for some of these conditions.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including his total knee arthroplasty, is remanded for further evaluation. His claim for TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to the need for VA examinations regarding the Veteran's right knee disability and scars.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral knee degenerative joint disease, bilateral eye disability, diabetes mellitus, Type II, peripheral neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. Additional VA treatment records from 1993 to 2000 are needed, as well as VA examinations for the knees and mental health conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus due to his active service.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for chondromalacia of the left knee and right knee with osteoarthritis prior to January 6, 2017, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral knee condition has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, the claim remains denied as there is insufficient medical opinion linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for right knee instability and TDIU due to inadequate examination in August 2016. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to assess his current right knee disability, including range of motion studies.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines have rendered him unable to maintain gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU rating on schedular basis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of a left knee condition and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). The effective date assigned was August 26, 2009.