Knee decisions — 2018

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for left lower extremity, right knee, and right lower extremity disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing such conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to May 9, 2008. The Board finds that the combined rating percentage requirements were met during certain periods and not met at other times.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities are rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that these ratings are inadequate. The case is being remanded to obtain a new examination and rating determination.

The Veteran's tinnitus and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine have been granted service connection. The Board has remanded for further examination on neck, hip, knee, and tailbone disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of right knee degenerative arthritis was denied as there is no legal basis to grant such a request.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not linked to service or a service-connected disability.,Service connection was also denied for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for spondylosis of the lumbar spine.

The Board has decided to remand several of the Veteran's claims due to inadequate VA examinations and unobtainable medical records. The Veteran will need to undergo a new VA examination for her left knee, and VA will attempt to obtain her private treatment records from Dr. Tai Chung and South Butler Medical Services.

The Board dismissed the appeals of service connection claims for heart disorder, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and sepsis. The right knee disability, COPD, and bilateral hearing loss were granted as incurred in active service.

The Board denied service connection for low back strain and thoracolumbar (low back) disability, as well as right knee disability. The Veteran's claims were remanded for further examination of his left knee disability and headache disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran’s claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and bilateral knee tendonitis. The Veteran's July 2013 VA audiological examination was not adequate, and a new VA audiological examination will be scheduled on remand.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to his PTSD and other conditions, leading the Board to grant a TDIU effective September 19, 2014.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for thoracolumbar spine disability, right knee disability, chronic respiratory disability, and chronic sleep disability due to unresolved medical questions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable ratings for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, and migraine headaches have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of degenerative joint disease in the left knee is related to an injury he sustained during service, and thus grants service connection for his left knee condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection of left knee disorder, right knee disorder, low back disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), bilateral pes planus, and asthma. The Veteran's claim is remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a right elbow condition and remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for dorsolumbar myositis and residuals of right knee injury, status post arthroscopy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, primarily his left knee disability and coronary artery disease, have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since September 30, 2004.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the issues of right elbow condition and lower back condition are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions. The bilateral knee condition issue is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding secondary service connection and lack of a confirmed diagnosis for PTSD. The issues include bilateral knee conditions, erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate, urinary function issue, and an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD).