Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn and the claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, as well as initial rating claims, are dismissed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on the issues of entitlement to service connection for a chronic sinus disability, a bilateral knee disability, and a right hip disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the entire appeal period, with marginal employment established as of February 15, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for knee, respiratory, eye, and low back disabilities have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board will seek further medical opinions on the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and an updated examination of the left knee condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder, low back disorder, and bilateral knee disorder. The disorders are found to be at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's in-service parachuting landings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and left knee disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional information regarding his TDIU claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current left knee condition is related to service. The claim will be reviewed again with a new examination and opinion.

The appeal for service connection for PTSD is dismissed. The appeals for service connection for right and left foot disorders, a right knee disorder, a right ankle disorder, and right and left hip disorders are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability and service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10% for right knee limitation of extension was denied. A separate 10% rating is granted for removal of semilunar cartilage of the right knee.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to August 10, 2010, for service-connected torn medial meniscus, left knee status post total knee replacement. The case is remanded for further action on his claims for a higher rating for right bicep detachment and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to insufficient explanations in previous VA examination reports. The claims include headaches, left knee disability, bilateral Achilles tendonitis, bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, claimed left hip condition, and claimed bilateral ankle conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for left foot bursitis, right foot bursitis, right knee disability, left knee disability, bilateral hallux valgus, spurring of the left fifth metatarsal joint, and degenerative joint disease of both feet. The claim for a back disability is remanded.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, effective February 19, 2018. His right knee disability remains at a 10 percent rating. A separate 10 percent rating has been granted for his meniscus impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral foot disability and obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, with one related to his service-connected knee arthritis.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development and examination, including service connection for various conditions such as arthritis of the left knee, eye disability, hypertension, liver condition, erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, and psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's testimony indicates that these conditions are secondary to his already service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and right knee disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated treatment records and a new VA examination.