Knee decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea, back disorder, GERD, hypertension, right knee disability, and pes planus. The appeals are pending as new evidence has been submitted that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his psychiatric disorder and respiratory conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's disabilities, including low back disability, lateral collateral ligament strain of the left knee, erectile dysfunction, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and psychiatric disability, are being remanded for further evaluation due to a lack of recent VA treatment records and possible private care.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for post-operative residuals of the right knee and TDIU due to missing VA treatment records. The Veteran must provide updated VA treatment records from April 2012 to November 2016, as well as any records since January 2018. Additionally, a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his service-connected right knee disability. The TDIU claim has also been raised and needs further development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence, and a new VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and updated medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for the right knee disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee patellofemoral syndrome, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not a continuation of the condition diagnosed in service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral knee disabilities. The appeal regarding his low back disability is dismissed as he withdrew it prior to a decision.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of various knee disabilities and major depressive disorder have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals during the hearing.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with no evidence of worsening since the last examination in August 2009.,Prior to January 9, 2017, the Veteran's cervical spine scar and left hip scar were each rated as noncompensable. After January 9, 2017, both scars are rated as 10 percent disabling due to their painful nature.,The Veteran's left knee disability was initially granted a 10 percent rating from September 1, 2009 through February 2, 2010. After this period, the Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating beyond 10 percent.,No new evidence of service connection or exposure basis was provided in this decision.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his back disability is denied. The claims for increased ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as the TDIU claim are remanded due to new evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability and remanded the issues of service connection for a bilateral foot disability and psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD. The Veteran's claims are being returned to VA for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis on the basis that it was aggravated by periods of active duty training in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a typographical error in the description of the claims on appeal and because the Veteran identified relevant outstanding private treatment records. The VA will request these records.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent for limitation of motion, and separate ratings are granted for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage (10%) and recurrent subluxation or lateral instability (20%).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee arthritis, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for his right knee condition, previously claimed as total knee replacement surgery, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current disability and his military service.