Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right knee and lumbar spine disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and lumbar spine disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are rated at 20 percent each for dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion. Separate ratings of 10 percent are granted for limitation of flexion in both knees since August 28, 2017.,Separate compensable ratings of 10 percent are granted for bilateral painful extension since August 28, 2017.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher disability rating for her service-connected left knee status-post meniscal tear is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability and a right knee scar, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a left knee disability.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any right knee disability and traumatic brain injury. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hammertoes and bilateral heel bursitis. The appeal regarding a bilateral knee disorder is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and left knee disability, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including left knee disability, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability with radiculopathy, and urinary incontinence associated with lumbar spine disability, finding no evidence of a nexus to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied as the evidence does not show that he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities alone prior to September 25, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including joint stiffness, hand injuries, back pain, knee and leg issues, hearing loss, tinnitus, IBS, and sleep disturbance. The RO must make efforts to obtain VA examinations despite the Veteran's incarceration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and a rating higher than 10 percent for left knee degenerative joint disease status post patellar tendon repair. The Veteran's current disabilities were found to be due to natural progression, overcompensation from his service-connected left knee disability, and civilian work rather than service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for sinusitis, back disability (including scoliosis with sciatica), upper respiratory infection, bilateral knee degenerative disc disease, hiatal hernia, and folliculitis. The remand requests additional examinations and reviews of records.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's right knee disability, finding that his flexion was at least 60 degrees and he had full extension. The pain did not limit his range of motion enough to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the left shoulder, left knee, and bilateral feet. The issues of service connection for neuropathy are also remanded. HIV is remanded as there is a current diagnosis and in-service incidents. PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including bipolar disorder) are also remanded.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as service-connected.,Prior to September 15, 2014, a 10 percent rating for hemorrhoids is granted. From September 15, 2014 onwards, the rating remains at 10 percent.,Service connection for left knee disability is granted.,A 20 percent rating for post-operative right hydrocele is granted from the date of examination (September 2014).,The cervical spine (neck) disability is remanded for further evaluation.,Cystitis cystica is remanded for a VA urologist's opinion.

The Veteran's appeals for right knee, left hip, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral foot toe disabilities have been dismissed.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction has been granted.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current cervical spine, right shoulder, right ankle and right knee disorders and his service. The VA is required to provide a new examination for each disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, left ankle disorder, and right ankle disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.