Knee decisions — 2018

The claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are now granted. The remaining issues related to right knee disability, bilateral pes planus, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, tinea pedis, hypertension, migraine headaches, and sinus condition are remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for left and right knee disabilities, but remands them due to insufficient evidence. The decision on the merits will be deferred until additional medical opinions are obtained.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 60 percent effective November 1, 2015. The Board denied a higher rating and granted TDIU prior to June 1, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disorder, respiratory disorder, and an initial compensable disability evaluation for left elbow strain due to incomplete development and need for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or aggravation, and that any current disabilities were not related to active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disorder, and left knee disability. The decision was based on a lack of evidence showing these conditions had their onset during active service or were otherwise related to service.

The Board has denied service connection for left ear hearing loss, right knee disorder, hepatitis C, and liver disorder due to the lack of evidence showing a current disability or a link between these conditions and active duty service. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals regarding his major depressive disorder, right knee disability, and back disability have been dismissed as he has withdrawn them. The issues of entitlement to a TDIU with an earlier effective date remain pending.

The Veteran's initial rating for left knee disability is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. A separate 10% rating for left knee instability is granted. The Veteran's right foot disability is also denied, as symptoms do not warrant a higher than 20% rating.

All issues are being remanded for further development and consideration. The Veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable rating for his superficial scar of the right lower leg, as well as an increased disability rating for PTSD, will be reconsidered after additional evidence is obtained.

The Veteran's medial right knee scar post baker's cyst excision is painful and rated at 10 percent. The Board found no evidence to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal deals with periods prior to July 13, 2009 when he was not assigned a 100 percent rating for his service-connected left knee disability.,For the period prior to July 13, 2009, the Veteran is not entitled to a higher than 10 percent rating for excision of semilunar cartilage (meniscectomy) and is not entitled to a higher than 20 percent rating for arthritis with limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for fibromyalgia has been denied as the first diagnosis was in August 2013.,The Veteran’s claims for service connection related to Gulf War exposure have been remanded and a new VA examination is required.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis of the feet, right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction were denied.,Service connection claims for these conditions were also denied.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and ratings for his conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board dismissed the appeals as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal and thus has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU, as well as his request for a combined disability rating of 60 percent effective June 21, 2001. The issues have been referred to the AOJ for consideration of CUE in a November 1991 rating decision regarding service connection for right hip and low back disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus due to new evidence received. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hip and left knee disabilities, finding that a VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.