Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's bilateral knee osteoarthritis, instability, and patellofemoral pain syndrome is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran also receives a TDIU due to the combined effect of multiple service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's glaucoma is granted as service-connected, subject to the laws that govern the payment of monetary benefits.,An initial evaluation of 10 percent for right knee internal derangement status post medial meniscal tear is granted, subject to the laws that govern the payment of monetary benefits.,A non-compensable evaluation for left knee degenerative joint disease is denied.,An initial evaluation of 30 percent prior to November 16, 2017, and 50 percent thereafter, but no higher, for service-connected migraine headaches is granted, subject to the laws that govern the payment of monetary benefits.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the claims.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability. The remaining issues of service connection for left hip, left foot, and right foot disabilities are remanded due to lack of objective clinical tests supporting the Veteran's claims. Additionally, the cervical spine, bilateral knee, and cervical radiculopathy disabilities require new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for right shoulder impingement syndrome, left shoulder impingement syndrome, and left knee degenerative joint disease due to the need for additional development including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's clothing was damaged due to her service-connected left knee and back braces, which are granted a clothing allowance for the year 2014.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances related to his service-connected right knee and back disabilities were denied because the conditions did not meet the criteria established by VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to his service-connected left knee brace is granted because he reported damage caused by the brace to his pants, and the evidence supports this.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for upper and lower back, left knee, and tinnitus conditions due to incomplete documentation of VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to inadequate examinations in February 2014. A new examination is needed, including testing for pain on both active and passive range of motion, frequency and duration of flare-ups, and additional disability caused by these factors.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence for the issues of service connection and higher disability ratings. The VA will conduct further examinations and provide clarification on the nature and etiology of the disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disability have been denied as the evidence does not show that he met the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent from November 29, 2004 to December 20, 2009, or a rating in excess of 20 percent from December 21, 2009 to December 8, 2010. For the periods beginning February 1, 2012 and November 1, 2014, his claims were denied as he did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 60 percent.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examinations for rating purposes, and a new examination is needed.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records, particularly regarding his mood disorder and right knee disability. The issues include service connection requests and rating increases.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of his service-connected right knee disability due to the need for an adequate VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for TMJ disorder, bilateral knee arthralgias, and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) have been granted. The issues of right shoulder disorder, cervicalgia, and thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral knee arthritis, back disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus were denied service connection as they did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period or are otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's brain tumor with loss of balance was remanded for further evaluation due to potential exposure to asbestos during his service.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, and the RO has remanded for further development on his right shoulder, thoracolumbar spine, neck, and left knee disabilities. The inguinal hernia rating remains noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to new evidence added to the record and the need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused and aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea. The restoration of the 30 percent disability rating for left knee degenerative changes is granted, as are separate ratings for painful limitation of extension of both knees and symptomatic semilunar cartilage removal of the left knee.