Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a right knee disability is granted. The claims for increased rating of left knee disability, service connection for right knee disability, lumbar spine disability, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and kidney disease are all remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disability and has remanded his claim for secondary service connection for a left elbow disability.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for degenerative arthritic changes of the right knee and traumatic osteoarthropathy of the postoperative right knee, as well as the claim for service connection for left knee strain. The Veteran needs a new examination to evaluate his current condition and determine if there is any link between his left knee strain and his service-connected right knee.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral knee condition. The claims for back disability and left ankle condition are remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the right hip and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine, both claimed as secondary to knee disabilities. The Veteran's right knee disability was already service-connected.,For a scar on the right knee, the Veteran received a 10 percent evaluation initially in May 2012.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis, and degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine are caused by his service-connected right knee instability and degenerative arthritis.,There is at least a reasonable doubt as to whether the Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis is caused by his service-connected right knee instability and degenerative arthritis. The evidence is approximately evenly balanced on this issue.,The Veteran's left carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by his service-connected right carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a claim based on an undiagnosed Gulf War illness and that the Veteran's current diagnosed conditions are attributable to known clinical diagnoses.,Service connection was also denied for a right knee condition, as there is no in-service injury or disease linked to the current condition. The Board found that the right knee condition is not proximately due to, or aggravated by, service-connected left knee disability and/or low back disorder.,Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was granted based on evidence showing it began during service.,Service connection for Barrett’s esophagus was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis that can be linked to service.,Prostate cancer was denied as the Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee disability, finding that there is no medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cervical spine disability, bilateral ankle and foot disabilities, have rendered her unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board grants TDIU effective March 17, 2013, and dismisses the remaining claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions that his knee, heart, right shoulder, or left shoulder conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to in-service injuries.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee conditions, as well as TDIU, need further development. Specifically, all VA treatment records must be obtained, including a letter from Dr. G.G., a vocational evaluation by D.M., PhD., and another VA examination is needed to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the right knee disorder is secondary to the service-connected left knee disability and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's request for an increased rating for his post-operative left knee strain with scars condition is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and requires an addendum opinion to address the Veteran's complaints of left knee pain since service. Additionally, all relevant medical records must be obtained.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left knee and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disability. The Veteran needs to be provided with proper notice regarding his TDIU claim, have outstanding records obtained, and undergo a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, bilateral foot disability, and allergic rhinitis as these conditions are not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including residuals of a left elbow fracture, back disability, residuals of a left femur fracture, residuals of a left knee fracture, residuals of a fractured left tibia and fibula, left leg condition, residuals of a fractured pelvis, and scars, are all etiologically caused by an accident on the way to weekend training for his duties as part of the South Carolina Army National Guard in December 1970. As such, service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied an increased rating for the appellant's left knee disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to December 11, 2017 and after that date.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed to determine the current existence and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee, ankle, hand pain and numbness, and sleep apnea disabilities. The claims for service connection will be remanded.