Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's right knee scar needs to be reassessed due to recent evidence suggesting worsening symptoms, and updated medical records are needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and lack of private treatment records for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. A new VA examination is needed to assess the current extent of his disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic kidney disease, increased ratings for inactive left tibia osteomyelitis and residuals of left tibia and fibula fractures with marked knee disability, and an increase in rating for left ankle degenerative arthritis. The evidence did not support a finding of active or recurrent osteomyelitis of the left tibia within the applicable claim period.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and evaluation due to indications of worsening in the Veteran's service-connected back disability and right knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee arthritis, GERD, and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. Right knee arthritis is presumed to have been incurred in service due to a chronic condition manifesting within one year of separation from active duty. GERD is found to be related to service based on continuity of symptoms since service. Bilateral hearing loss is not considered as the Veteran does not currently have a diagnosed disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disorder, including a meniscal tear, is service-connected as it was incurred during his active duty at the United States Naval Academy in 1989.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims for service connection can be adjudicated on the merits. This includes obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling a hearing loss and tinnitus examination, and scheduling a lumbar spine examination.

The Board has determined that the Appellant's claimed service in the U.S. Marine Corps cannot be verified and therefore, the claim for service connection is being remanded to request verification from the U.S. Department of the Navy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for further development, including a new VA examination and medical opinion. The issues include evaluations in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, right knee degenerative changes, and left knee degenerative changes.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination due to insufficient evidence on record regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions, particularly his left knee disability. The issues of service connection for headaches, high blood pressure, a sleep disability, tinnitus, depression, and left knee disability are being referred back to the AOJ.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's knee and foot disabilities, including right hip strain. The claims for increased ratings are being returned due to inconsistencies in the July 2015 examination report. Additional examinations are needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral knee and right foot conditions.

The Board denied service connection for right knee, right hip, and left hip disabilities as secondary to a service-connected left toe disability due to lack of medical evidence supporting the Veteran's claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the left knee and degenerative joint disease of the right knee, as his range of motion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current shoulder, elbow, hand and knee disorders. The Veteran is presumed credible in his statements about combat-related events during service.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's right knee instability and limitation of extension, as well as his TDIU claim. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for right shoulder injury with rotator cuff surgery, right knee condition, bilateral hearing loss, and scar, right shoulder status post-surgical procedure due to missing service treatment records. The Veteran's initial enlistment records are lost, and there is no medical record prior to October 1984.

The Board denied service connection for low back, left knee, right knee, and plantar fasciitis disabilities. The claim for eye disability (blurred vision) was also denied.,Service connection for sinus disability, pulmonary disability due to asbestos exposure, respiratory disability (residuals of pneumonia and restrictive lung disease), major depressive disorder, and PTSD were all denied.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a left leg disability and related arthritis conditions has been reopened, and the appeal is granted to this extent. The Board has ordered additional medical examination and remanded the case for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for left hip bursitis. The case of a left knee condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and an adjustment disorder with anxiety is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or any service-connected disability. The Board also found insufficient evidence to support a secondary service connection claim.