Knee decisions — 2017

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of left knee and left hip disabilities being related to service, including a fall from a helicopter in 1968. The preponderance of the evidence does not support the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen his claim for service connection of a left knee disability was not perfected, as he did not file a VA Form 9 or otherwise indicate he wished to appeal the case to the Board after receiving the Statement of the Case in January 2016.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected left knee disabilities and for effective dates prior to June 18, 2016 for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 were granted.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee DJD, each rated at 10 percent. The Veteran's disabilities are characterized by painful limited motion with objective evidence of arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his attorney, and as such the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations of the shoulders and knees. The TDIU issue has also been added to the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee disorder must be remanded due to insufficient competent medical evidence on file for VA to make a decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being reopened, but further development is needed to assess the presence and severity of any disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee arthritis and lumbar spine degenerative disc and joint disease. However, the claims are denied as there is no competent medical evidence establishing a link between these conditions and active service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and providing additional opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for the claims of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, neck disability, and right knee disability have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board issuing its decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a new VA examination to assess the severity of his knee, ankle, and low back disabilities.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA examination results for the Veteran's right ankle and knee disabilities, as well as any relevant private treatment records. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity to submit or authorize VA to obtain these records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have sleep apnea and denied his claim for service connection. The increased rating claims for lumbar spine and left knee disabilities are also being denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to conflicting opinions and incomplete medical records. The Veteran's service connection claim will be reconsidered based on new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder were not incurred in or caused by service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis, left knee instability, and right knee arthritis have been rated as separate disabilities since January 8, 2015.,Effective from November 28, 2016, the Veteran is entitled to a 10 percent rating for his left knee instability.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee disorders (DJD and patellofemoral syndrome) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right foot disability. However, a rating in excess of 20 percent for DJD of the lumbar spine, L4-L5, is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to deficiencies in the Board's analysis, particularly regarding his claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and sleep apnea. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including residuals of right knee arthroscopic release with chronic synovitis, symptomatic patellar chondromalacia, chronic tendinitis, and possible meniscal tear, has been manifested by knee pain, weakness, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, effusion, popping, crepitus, and painful and limited knee motion. The Veteran's right knee instability/subluxation is slight.