Knee decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for a right knee infection, Barrett's esophagus, and a cognitive disorder manifested by memory loss as the evidence did not support these claims.

The Veteran's tinnitus and acquired psychiatric disorder (to include anxiety) are found to be related to his service.,Service connection is granted for left knee degenerative joint disease, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, foot fungus, and headaches.

The Veteran's bilateral shin splints are granted a 10% rating, but no higher. The claim for service connection of the left knee strain with degenerative joint disease is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left or right knee disabilities, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's right thigh numbness, diagnosed as meralgia paresthetica, is granted service connection. For the left and right shoulder disabilities prior to August 25, 2015, a 10 percent rating is granted for each. The Veteran's left knee disability and right knee disability are also granted a 10 percent rating prior to May 29, 2015. For urinary calculi (kidney stones), the Veteran is granted a 10 percent rating prior to August 25, 2015.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left knee disability, right ankle disability, sarcoidosis, and a higher rating for lumbar strain due to additional medical development and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depression and orthopedic conditions such as left knee and right thumb injuries, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disorder was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for a right shoulder disorder is also denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the current condition began during service or is related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep impairment is being remanded due to its inextricability with his claims for bronchitis and left knee disability. The other issues will be addressed separately.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his left knee disability is remanded due to inadequate examination report. A new VA examination is required.

The Board has granted service connection for right ankle degenerative arthritis, bilateral knee osteoarthritis status post total knee replacements, and traumatic brain injury. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional medical evidence and opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hand disorder and right knee disability. The Veteran contends that his current disorders are related to service, but there is conflicting evidence.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if a higher rating is warranted, and also for consideration of TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for hearing loss of the right ear was dismissed as it has been fully granted. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a right knee condition secondary to service-connected left knee disability.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues except lumbar strain, which was granted. The remaining conditions were withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been granted, with the exception of his claim for a compensable rating for left elbow olecranon bursitis. The remaining conditions are rated based on their current manifestations.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current right knee and carpal tunnel syndrome disabilities and their service. The VA will provide an examination to determine if these conditions are related to lifting and carrying heavy artillery rounds during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis, and a VA examination is needed to determine its etiology.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to determine the nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected conditions. The hyperhidrosis claim remains denied as there is no evidence that it prevents the Veteran from handling paper or tools. The pericarditis and left knee disability claims are also remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board denied payment or reimbursement for medical expenses incurred in connection with the Veteran's non-VA care at Orthopedic Associates of Osceola on December 16, 2013 because the treatment was not pre-authorized by VA and did not constitute a medical emergency.