Knee decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability, including his total knee replacement, is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, lower back disability, right knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The cases are remanded to obtain VA examinations and additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for the claim of service connection for gastric ulcer has been dismissed due to his withdrawal. The appeals for service connection for allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bilateral foot condition, right knee condition, and left knee condition are remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of right shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities as well as urinary disorder. The issue of service connection for a jaw disorder (TMJ syndrome, bruxism, and any residuals thereof) is remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for atrial fibrillation, bilateral knee condition, bilateral ankle condition, migraine headaches, back condition, bilateral foot condition to include stasis dermatitis of the left foot, and bilateral eye condition. The issues have been remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's right knee disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected right fibula fracture. The left leg condition and arthritis of the bilateral hips, knees, and back are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder disorder, lower back disorder, left knee disorder, and cervical radiculopathy. The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred in or related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's increased rating for right knee disability and compensable initial rating for a scar associated with total right knee replacement are denied.,The Veteran is currently assigned a noncompensable initial rating for his scar located on the right knee associated with total right knee replacement surgery.

The Veteran's back and left knee disabilities were not incurred during service, and there is no indication that they are related to his active service.,His peptic ulcer disease was rated at 40 percent effective October 5, 2011. The Board found insufficient evidence of a factually ascertainable increase in disability prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar strain, right knee condition, dizziness, left knee condition, sleep apnea, heart condition, gastrointestinal disorder, CFS, left elbow condition, anxiety disorder, and headaches have been granted.,Service connection is established for a right knee disability, sleep apnea (as a respiratory condition), and anxiety disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence in the November 2014 VA examination report. The Veteran's right hip and low back conditions are being reviewed, as well as her left knee condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's applications to reopen his claims for service connection for bilateral elbow and knee disabilities. However, these claims are still pending as they have been remanded due to the need for additional development regarding the Veteran's periods of active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability as secondary to his service-connected lumbar scoliosis, finding no evidence of a current bilateral knee disability or a link between it and either active duty service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear dates of service, particularly with the Army National Guard. Additional development is needed to confirm all service records and obtain any missing treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spondylosis and degenerative disc disease, as well as his meniscal tear of the left knee, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of a left knee disability, and has determined that this condition is secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The Veteran now has service connection for left knee osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are rated at 10 percent each, with a separate 30 percent rating for the right knee limitation of extension. Service connection is granted for a left shoulder disability but denied for low back, right hip, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied for right knee disorder, frostbite of the hands and feet, and leukopenia. The Veteran was granted a separate 20 percent rating for frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion of the left knee.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent from November 1, 2010 to September 4, 2014 for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her claim at a prehearing conference.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of his disabilities. The Veteran is required to undergo a new VA examination to determine the extent of his disability.