Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding the existence of knee disabilities. Additional development is needed, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected right knee, left knee, and low back disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations to address flare-ups.

The Board found no evidence of an in-service injury and no medical nexus linking the Veteran's current left knee disability to his service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disorder is granted, and his PTSD is rated at 30 percent. The decision also denies a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The decision also granted special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114 (s) from November 21, 2011.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis and low back degenerative arthritis. The appeal regarding right ear pain and headaches is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee and right wrist arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, left knee disability, right knee disability, right shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety and depression). The claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of these conditions in service or their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inconsistencies in the previous rating decisions and need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation based on this requirement.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for right knee disability and migraines, but has remanded them due to additional evidence being needed. The Veteran's asthma is also rated as a secondary condition of her left hip disability.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain records from Army hospitals in San Francisco, California, and Seoul, Korea, where the Veteran received treatment for his right knee disability during 1978-1979. The claim will be readjudicated after obtaining these records.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle and bilateral knee conditions are being remanded for additional examinations to assess the current severity of his disabilities, as well as for obtaining any relevant treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issue of service connection for mild strain, left knee.

The Veteran is granted an annual clothing allowance for 2014 due to the wear and tear of her service-connected left knee, back, and wrist/thumb braces on her clothing.

This appeal is dismissed. The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for the post-surgical status of his left knee menisci and cruciate ligament, as well as degenerative arthritis of his left knee, are dismissed. His claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for major depressive disorder is denied.,Entitlement to a compensable rating for post-surgical scars of the left knee is remanded. The Veteran's entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension is also remanded. Entitlement to a rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder is remanded, as well as whether the Veteran was properly compensated for his dependent spouse.,Entitlement to service connection for post-surgical scars of the left knee is remanded. The Veteran's entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension is also remanded. Entitlement to a rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder is remanded, as well as whether the Veteran was properly compensated for his dependent spouse.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches and remanded the issues of service connection for chronic left knee disability and chronic right knee disability.

The Veteran's right foot disability does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation due to lack of functional impairment equivalent to amputation with prosthesis.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's left knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus (secondary to non-service-connected bilateral hearing loss), COPD, and heart disorders are all under review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and secondary service connection due to delays in processing. The issues include his mood disorder, back disability, radiculopathy of bilateral lower extremities, hip, knee, and foot disabilities.