Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's bilateral knee patellofemoral pain syndrome was granted initial disability ratings of 10 percent, but no higher, prior to July 24, 2015.

All claims seeking to reopen previously denied service connection for various conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's left leg below the knee amputation surgery at VA in November 2014 resulted in additional disabilities including MRSA infection and critical limb ischemia, leading to an above-the-knee amputation. The Board found that these additional disabilities were not caused by any fault or unforeseeable event on the part of VA.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and left knee disorders, as well as initial compensable ratings for migraine headaches and a right wrist disorder. The Board found no evidence of aggravation of pre-existing conditions during service.,For migraines, the Board noted that there were no documented prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months.

The Veteran's right hand and right knee disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination reports and incomplete verification of service records. The Veteran's knee disorders need further clarification, including a physical examination if necessary.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examination and review due to deficiencies in previous examinations, including those related to pain on motion and radiculopathy.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disorder, finding that the appellant's preexisting condition did not worsen during his IDT on December 29, 1990.

Your appeals for increased ratings and special monthly compensation have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board has no jurisdiction to proceed as the appellant is deceased.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back, right knee, left knee, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and initial ratings for various conditions have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU has also been denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a left knee strain is remanded due to inadequate examination. A new VA examination is required to comply with the requirements set forth by Correia v. McDonald, 28 Vet. App. 158 (2016).

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and a right knee disability as secondary to his service-connected left knee strain. The conditions are considered direct service connections based on evidence of in-service injury and current disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for a left eye disability and remanded the claims of hypertension and right knee disability due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's bilateral knee and low back conditions have been remanded for further evaluation. The issues of service connection for PTSD, a bilateral foot condition secondary to PTSD, anxiety disorder, and TDIU are also pending.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability from January 19, 2010 to September 14, 2014.

The Board has determined that the VA examiners' opinions are inadequate and additional examinations are needed to determine if the Veteran's left knee, right knee, and bilateral pes planus disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, right wrist CTS, left knee arthritis, and right hip arthritis as secondary to a service-connected rhinitis disability.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to August 30, 2016 is granted as his service-connected disabilities meet the schedular criteria and render him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his left knee disability and determine if there are any flare-ups or functional impairments. The claims will be re-adjudicated after this development.