Knee decisions — 2018

The Board dismissed the appeal of the right ankle disability claim. The claims for service connection of right hip, right knee, and acquired psychiatric disabilities were denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, NOS with anxiety, NOS is rated at 100 percent and he has other service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more. Therefore, the Veteran qualifies for special monthly compensation (SMC) pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence showing a right knee disability, and a VA examination is needed to determine its etiology.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for arthritis with joint pain of the left and right ankles, knees, and hands. The claim of service connection for a finger joint disorder remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition is dismissed as he withdrew the claim. The case remains on remand for other issues.,The Veteran’s scoliosis of the thoracolumbar spine disability does not warrant a higher rating due to its current level of impairment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right foot and ankle, shoulder, and knee disabilities are granted as new and material evidence has been received. However, the claims for these disabilities remain denied due to lack of a current disability related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination as they are incomplete or require clarification.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of bilateral knee and shoulder disabilities due to outstanding military personnel records and inadequate examination reports.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the appeal is, therefore, REMANDED. The Veteran's back disability and right knee disability are both rated below their current severity.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left shoulder, left knee, right knee, left elbow, and right-hand disabilities. The issue of an increased rating for amputation, middle toe, left foot is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied in 2009. The Board has reopened the claim for a right hip disability and remanded it, but did not reach the merits of other claims due to lack of evidence.

The Board is remanding the cases for further action, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The Veteran also needs to be notified of his appellate rights on several effective date issues.

The appeal to reopen the claim for service connection for right elbow pain is dismissed. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted. The claims for bilateral knee disability and sleep disturbance are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for left knee disorder and right knee disorder, but dismissed the appeal regarding drug/alcohol dependency.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder, including degenerative joint disease and knee replacement surgery, is at least as likely as not related to his service. As a result, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction claim is denied as there is no evidence of both loss of erectile power and penile deformity.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for diabetes mellitus is denied due to the absence of insulin, restricted diet, or oral hypoglycemic agent requirements.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction prior to October 31, 2005 is not granted as there is no evidence of a claim filed before that date.,Claims for service connection secondary to existing disabilities are remanded and will be considered in the future.,Claims for increased ratings for right knee arthritis and right knee disability are also remanded.,PTSD rating remains at 50 percent, with claims for higher ratings still pending.,TDIU claim is remanded as there are no specific service-connected disabilities listed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and bilateral knee arthralgia, and remanded his claim for service connection for sleep apnea. The decision is pending further action.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder arthritis and right hand arthritis, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to her service-connected right knee condition.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his left knee disability has been granted, with a rating of 10 percent for each issue.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various upper and lower extremity disabilities, as well as bilateral hearing loss. The VA will need to schedule updated examinations that take into account the Veteran’s STRs.