Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left knee disability is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee and hip disabilities, as well as bilateral hearing loss. The claims will be reviewed based on new evidence provided by the Veteran during her recent hearing.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are denied as the evidence does not support a relationship between his current disabilities and his military service.,Service connection cannot be granted based on herbicide exposure, as there is no credible evidence that he was exposed to such agents during his service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to unclear medical findings and lack of a current diagnosis. The right hip and knee conditions are being reviewed, but further examination is needed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral ankle/foot disability due to new and material evidence. The claims for increased ratings for left knee DJD and right knee DJD are also remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right knee, cervical spine, lumbar spine, bilateral hip, ankle, CTS, and left knee disabilities. The claims are being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA medical records and conducting additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal. The Board also referred the issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hip and knee conditions, secondary to the right ankle fracture, to the AOJ.

Entitlement to service connection for a right knee meniscus disability, bilateral hearing loss, constipation, and some other conditions is denied. The Board has ordered remands for further development on the issues of service connection for bilateral ankle and plantar fasciitis disabilities.,An initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is denied. Service connection for asthma is also denied as a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral knee disability, increased rating for low back disability, and initial compensable rating for right foot and left foot calluses.,For the entire period on appeal, the Veteran's low back disability was not manifested by ankylosis nor did it require bed rest prescribed by a physician.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated as 40 percent disabling from October 6, 2017. The Board denied a higher rating for this condition prior to that date.,The Veteran's service-connected left ankle strain is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board denied a higher rating for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and remanded the issues of increased ratings for right knee, left knee disabilities, and residuals of right femur fracture.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of a right knee injury as new and material evidence was not received, despite the Veteran having current degenerative changes in his knee.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's service-connected left knee total replacement, finding that there was no basis to grant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeals for right knee disability, insomnia, and initial rating for service-connected sinusitis have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal during a hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have disabling left ear hearing loss for VA purposes and denied service connection for this condition. The right ear hearing loss claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology during service. Increased ratings for left knee and left hip disabilities are also remanded as additional examinations are needed in accordance with Correia v. McDonald.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left knee disability and post-operative residuals of a hernia repair due to the need for additional development.,The issue of service connection for CRPS is also being remanded as there may be an association with the Veteran's headaches, requiring further examination.,Service connection for post-operative residuals of a hernia repair is being remanded because the evidence suggests it may have been aggravated by service. ,The issue of service connection for sinus disability is being remanded due to potential aggravation during service and current symptoms.,Service connection for back disability, secondary to left ankle disability, is also being remanded as there are indications that the Veteran's condition may be related to his service.,Service connection for stomach condition is being remanded because of potential association with service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back, right hip, and left knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left knee disability, specifically concerning functional loss during flare-ups and instability.

The Veteran's service-connected knee and ankle disabilities require the regular aid and attendance of another person.