Knee decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee conditions, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the knees.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee degenerative osteoarthritis, finding that it did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period and was neither proximately due to nor aggravated by his service-connected hyperparathyroidism.

The Board is remanding the issues of service connection for low back disability and bilateral knee disability due to inadequate reasoning in previous VA examinations.,The Board is also remanding the issue of service connection for a respiratory disorder other than OSA, including COPD, due to inadequate reasoning in previous VA examinations.,The Board is remanding the issue of service connection for a skin disability due to inadequate reasoning in previous VA examinations.,The Board is also remanding the issues of service connection for sleep disorder and anxiety disorder both related to PTSD due to inadequate reasoning in previous VA examinations.,The Board is further remanding the issue of rating greater than 10 percent for GERD due to inadequate reasoning in previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examination and testing.

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for lower back and left knee disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect the Veteran’s disability picture.

The Board denied service connection for alopecia, rectal disability (including hemorrhoids and polyps), skin disorder, foot disability, upper left extremity radiculopathy, sleep disorder, and bilateral knee disability as there was no evidence or argument linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied service connection for left knee instability and right knee instability because there is no objective medical evidence of current instability in either knee.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities are reopened. However, the Board denied both claims as there is no evidence that the current conditions were incurred during or caused by his military service.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or any presumptive conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's left and right knee disabilities. The appeal remains pending.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction, low back pain, bilateral hip disorder, right knee pain, sleep apnea, and migraine headaches are all granted as secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's angiolipoma of the posterior left thigh, chondromalacia patella of right knee, and chondromalacia patella of left knee are all rated at 40 percent. The appeal is denied as there is no service connection theory other than direct.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination for spinal fusion, right knee disability, and left ankle disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issue of whether the reduction in his left knee disability evaluation was proper.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disability and major depressive disorder are found to be the principal cause of his death. Special monthly compensation for aid and attendance/housebound status is granted, as well as service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's knee disabilities and service. The Veteran claims that jumping from a hovering helicopter caused his knee problems, but there are no service records of such an injury.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings granted due to the lack of limitation of motion or instability. The appeal is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a bilateral foot disorder, left knee disorder, and residuals of a chest wall injury due to incomplete development and inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's right knee brace and Thera-Gesic cream have caused wear and tear to his clothing, warranting a clothing allowance for the 2012 calendar year.

The Veteran's left knee disability, which includes symptoms such as pain, grinding, crepitus, tenderness, and a meniscal tear, has been rated at 10 percent since August 29, 2009. The Board found that the current rating does not accurately reflect the severity of his disability.