Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding various service-connected disabilities, as well as for additional records to be obtained. The claims are not related to a specific exposure basis or the PACT Act.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions provided are inadequate, and thus remanding for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's right knee disability, sinus condition (including Sinusitis), and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral wrist sprain and tendinitis, as well as right knee disability, have been granted. The decision also includes remanded issues regarding other disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus is dismissed. The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for back, left knee, and right knee conditions as well as a claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee DJD.,Service connection for prostate cancer is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that it was incurred in or aggravated by active service.,Service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus is denied because there is no evidence of its onset during service, within the presumptive period, or due to exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back and bilateral knee disabilities due to lack of new and material evidence, as the submitted evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and left knee disabilities have been granted, but the cases are remanded due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has remanded three issues: entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative changes of the right knee, entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for chronic right knee patellar tendonitis, and entitlement to a higher initial evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and ankylosing spondylitis of the thoracic spine. The Veteran's spouse’s need for aid and attendance was denied due to lack of evidence showing she requires regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU. The VA examinations are inadequate for the issues of increased ratings for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back and left knee disabilities, finding that these conditions began during his active service in Afghanistan.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee arthralgia, including patellofemoral pain syndrome of the knees as there is no evidence that the current condition is related to military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a bilateral knee condition. The claim is now remanded for further development, including obtaining an adequate VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to incomplete records and a need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records related to his disability benefits.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee conditions, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral knee pain/weakness did not worsen during service. The Board also remanded the issue of rating for degenerative disc disease lumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to insufficient evidence from previous examinations, including lack of information on flare-ups and functional loss.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee condition and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee disabilities and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Board denied service connection for low back, left knee, left ankle, and left foot disabilities as the evidence did not establish a nexus to service.

The Board denied service connection for right knee disability, right ankle disorder, and right foot disorder. The Board also denied service connection for left knee arthritis, calcaneal spur in the left ankle, and plantar spur of the left foot as these conditions did not manifest during or within a presumptive period following service.