Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's left knee disability, prior to November 24, 2010, and from February 1, 2011, is rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period.

The Board denied entitlement to higher ratings for lumbar spondylosis with degenerative joint disease and right knee plica excision and partial meniscectomy with degenerative joint disease, finding that the schedular criteria adequately described the Veteran's disability picture.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee and low back disorders did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there was no evidence of a chronic condition. The VA examiners opined that these conditions are less likely related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine and knee disabilities are not service-connected. The evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a right knee disability. The Veteran's statements associating his right knee condition with service are considered cumulative.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is denied as there is no medical evidence showing onset during or within one year after service and the weight of the evidence does not support a finding that any current psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent disabling for the entire appeal period, with a separate 10 percent rating for limitation of flexion of the leg (left knee) effective January 12, 2018.,For the period prior to January 12, 2018, a 10 percent rating is granted based on limitation of flexion of the left knee.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for iron deficiency anemia has been reopened, but the issue of whether she is entitled to service connection remains unresolved.,The Veteran's chest pain disability and its relationship to her service-connected PTSD are also remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's initial claim for a 10 percent rating for his left foot injury has been granted. The Board also remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims and requested additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various disabilities, including hypertension. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension was caused or aggravated by herbicide exposure during service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes, hypertension, prostate disorder, bilateral knee disorder, pes planus, and left shoulder disorder as the evidence did not support a link to active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her knee disabilities and bipolar and major depressive disorders were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of these conditions during the appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, residuals of traumatic brain injury, and insomnia.,Service connection was not granted as there is no current diagnosis or evidence of functional impairment related to the claimed conditions.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for degenerative changes, left knee with Baker’s cyst; chronic left ankle disability; seborrheic dermatitis (claimed as a skin condition due to undiagnosed illness); and hypothyroidism. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder), OSA, migraine headaches, and left knee pain are all granted service connection.,Service connection for right shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, right leg restless leg syndrome, left leg restless leg syndrome, cervical spine osteoarthritis, and left arm radiculopathy is denied.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have not been properly evaluated due to incomplete examination records, and the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The claim is reopened due to new evidence showing the Veteran has a current left knee disability. However, service connection remains remanded as there are issues with the VA examination report and further evaluation is needed.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, and no service connection was granted for any conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's right and left knee DJD were incurred during qualifying periods of service and are not attributable to intercurrent causes.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee. The issues of service connection for a left knee disorder and a left ankle disorder are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's chondromalacia of the left knee has been granted a 30 percent rating, subject to rules and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.