Knee decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for aching joints and remanded the issue of service connection for sinus disorder.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of throat surgery due to lack of current disability. The claims for lumbar spine, right leg, left knee, and right knee disabilities are remanded as new medical opinions are needed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and a back disorder as secondary to his service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease with patellofemoral syndrome are granted. The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for right knee disorder and TDIU have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.,Tinnitus has been granted service connection, with a current rating of 'Granted'.,Respiratory Disorder (COPD) was denied due to lack of evidence showing onset during service or relationship to service.,Sleep Disorder (other than Sleep Apnea) was denied as the Veteran's sleep impairment is linked to his PTSD.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of an armpit rash and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome due to his withdrawal of these claims prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right knee disability are rated at 50% each, resulting in a combined rating of 100%. The Board has granted TDIU based on the severity of these disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of evidence linking the claimed conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding the appellant's claimed left hip and left knee disabilities, as well as his right knee disability. The examiner is asked to determine if these conditions are related to service or any other condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, finding that the most probative evidence was against the claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disability due to new and material evidence. However, the claims for right knee and back disabilities remain denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his right elbow, wrist, knee conditions, as well as residuals of traumatic brain injury due to a lack of a VA examination.

The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a left hip disability based on new and material evidence was denied. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left knee disabilities were remanded.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and dislocated semilunar cartilage, is rated at 20 percent since May 16, 2011. A separate 10 percent rating for arthritis with painful motion is granted from the same date. The claim for TDIU is remanded.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disability, including residuals of an anterior cruciate ligament repair surgery, is related to his in-service injuries and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to August 10, 2010, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter for left knee tendonitis due to inadequate VA examinations. A new examination is required.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders, as secondary to a back disorder. Additional medical opinions are required to address the nature and etiology of any current or previously-diagnosed knee disorders.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinea pedis, bilateral hearing loss, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, left knee disability, and right thumb disability. The case is being remanded to obtain additional VA examinations and opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's bilateral knee conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability.,The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to February 3, 2014 are denied as the earliest possible effective date has already been assigned.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected obstructive sleep apnea is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected tinnitus is denied as he has been assigned the maximum schedular rating available under VA regulations.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected sinusitis is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for service-connected hypertension is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.