Knee decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, a sleeping disorder, an intestinal disorder, a headache disorder, fatigue, skin disorders, memory loss, bilateral knee degenerative joint disease and patellofemoral syndrome, and right ankle strain disorder. The decision was based on lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to active military service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disorder, erectile dysfunction, and sleep disorder are being addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine if the Veteran's back and left knee disabilities are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches has been granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's current headache condition is related to her active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to the need for updated VA examinations and for obtaining any outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a Social and Industrial Survey and obtaining SSA records.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a left knee disability related to his military service, including an automobile accident involving an IED explosion in June 2005. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for the left knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, cervical spine disability (claimed as neck disability), and lumbar spine disability were denied. The Board found that the claimed conditions are not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee chondromalacia, low back strain, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are related to her service. The Veteran's pre-existing psychiatric condition was aggravated by military service.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU rating and increased ratings for his left knee disability (to 60%) and low back disability (prior to March 4, 2010).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a right knee condition, left knee condition, and back condition. The evidence did not establish continuity of symptomatology or a nexus between current conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining clarification of the Veteran's current mailing address.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome, along with degenerative changes in both knees, are related to her service-connected bilateral foot disorder (plantar fasciitis). As a result, direct service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, left foot disorder, and left knee disorder are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service stressors or a nexus between current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on the right ankle and bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded due to incomplete development of records related to his employment, as well as further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a bilateral knee or cervical spine disability incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left knee tendonitis with degenerative changes and left knee laxity were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, depression, sleep apnea, knee disabilities, and osteoarthritis, were denied. The Board found no evidence of a relationship between the claimed conditions and active duty or National Guard service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations.