Knee decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding service treatment records and personnel records, which need to be obtained for a new medical opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Veteran is granted a clothing allowance for 2014 due to use of a back brace related to his service-connected low back disability. However, he is denied a clothing allowance for the left knee brace as it does not relate to any service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance is not clear and unmistakable, as there are insufficient medical records to determine if his back brace and knee braces cause wear and tear on his clothes or if prescribed topical medications cause irreparable damage. The case is being remanded for further examination and evidence collection.

The case is being remanded for further development of the record, including obtaining treatment records from January 1996 through March 2001 at the Detroit VA Medical Center.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic headaches and bilateral knee disability are related to service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches are related to service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition. The other claims of service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and completion of forms related to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, including arthritis and instability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since April 11, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle disabilities, including osteochondral injury, sinus tarsi syndrome, and degenerative joint disease (DJD), are related to his in-service fall during ACDUTRA. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected low back strain and left knee disability were denied. The Board found that the applicable schedular criteria are adequate to evaluate each disability under consideration at all pertinent points.

The Veteran's current left knee disorder, diagnosed as chondromalacia and degenerative joint disease, is related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for multiple joint pain and myalgia are denied as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims. The Veteran is therefore not entitled to service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated at 20 percent since March 20, 2012. The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability prior to this date.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of left malleolus and distal fibula fracture, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability. The other issues regarding degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder and left knee are also granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that new evidence received since the May 2006 rating decision raises the possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hand disability, nervous condition (depressive disorder NOS with anxiety disorder NOS), and left knee strain have been granted. The claim for pancreatitis is considered 'unknown' as it is not addressed in the decision.,The Veteran's right hand disability and bilateral pes planus were reopened and granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and left knee disabilities are not related to service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA aid and attendance/housebound examination. The claims for increased ratings will also be adjudicated.