Knee decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder disability as secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee disability. However, it denied a TDIU prior to April 1, 2012 due to the combined rating of other disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 20% for symptoms of locking, pain and effusion since July 17, 2013. The rating does not change the existing ratings for instability or limited motion.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a left knee disability was granted. His major depressive disorder rating prior to November 17, 2016, is maintained at 10 percent; however, the rating after that date is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right knee and left knee patellofemoral syndrome (including osteoarthritis), finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence to support these claims based on lack of current disabilities or medical records indicating such conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various psychiatric and physical disabilities, including right shoulder pain, back pain, neck pain, left knee pain, right knee pain, sleep apnea, hepatitis C, kidney or renal failure, prostate cancer, and unspecified depressive disorder. The reasons provided include lack of in-service evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right lateral/medial epicondylitis and hyperlipidemia was denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of these conditions.,Service connection for PTSD, thoracolumbar spine IVDS and degenerative arthritis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, left ankle sprain, cervical spine strain, right shoulder sprain, right shin splints, left shin splints, hemorrhoids, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and left knee patellofemoral syndrome was denied. The Veteran's PTSD disability rating prior to September 27, 2012 was also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations of various disabilities, as well as his claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD. The case is being returned to the RO for additional development.

The Veteran's left knee disorder is remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion addressing his contentions of in-service injury and physical demands leading to current disability.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disorder, hypertension, and diarrhea are being remanded for additional examinations to assess their current severity.

The Board denied service connection for aortic occlusion-thrombosis with bilateral above-the-knee amputation as secondary to service-connected schizophrenia, and also denied SMC based on the regular need for the aid and attendance of another person or housebound status.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder and right knee conditions due to incomplete VA examinations and missing medical records. The VA is instructed to attempt to locate and associate any missing treatment records with the Veteran’s case.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for right knee laxity and increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for medial meniscal tear prior to November 2, 2012, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter are denied. The evidence does not support the presence of symptoms warranting higher ratings under applicable DCs.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and earlier effective dates for major depression with anxiety disorder and tinea pedis. The Veteran's right shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities were granted service connection based on in-service injuries.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee condition, including moderate osteoarthritis, knee effusion, and partial tear of medial collateral ligament, is etiologically related to his military service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as a service-connected condition. The left knee and right hand conditions are not service-connected, but the neuropathy of both upper extremities is secondary to diabetes mellitus. PTSD with drug and alcohol abuse meets criteria for a 70% disability rating.

The Board has deferred the decision on entitlement to additional VA compensation for a dependent spouse pending the assignment of an initial disability evaluation for the low back disability and the adjudication of the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to missing VA treatment records, as well as a need for further examination of his lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claim for reopening a previously denied left knee disability is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee disability, right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, and acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD, adjustment disorder, depression, anxiety, personality disorder, panic attacks, and nightmares) due to incomplete service treatment records and potential Reserve service. The claims are being remanded for further development including obtaining additional medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for further examination.