Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's right knee disability, including degenerative arthritis and instability, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and failure to issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Veteran's left knee disability was initially rated at 10 percent prior to June 13, 2014. Since then, the rating has been increased to 20 percent from June 13, 2014 to the present day.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance at a higher level of care, finding that he did not meet the criteria for anatomical loss or use of extremities as defined by 38 C.F.R. § 3.350(f).

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for a left knee scar was denied as the evidence did not show any additional functional impairment or disabling effects not considered under the schedular criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations and opinions regarding his hearing loss, psychiatric disorders, left knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right knee disorder that was incurred in service or is otherwise related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine and right knee disabilities are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees have been evaluated as tenosynovitis, with no additional disability found warranting a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, rating, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to his right thigh disability, right knee chondromalacia, and nerve damage to his feet.

The Veteran seeks service connection for his right knee disability, which he contends is related to parachute jumps during active duty. The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board found no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the right knee, and there were no continuous symptoms of arthritis since service separation. The Veteran's current right knee disability is not considered service-connected.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The claim to reopen his obstructive sleep apnea was granted, but the underlying claim remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been reopened and are now being considered on their merits.,Service connection has been granted for left knee disability, right knee disability, chronic vaginitis, chronic UTI, GERD, IBS, hemorrhoids, thyroid condition, and sciatica.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private medical records not being obtained. The Veteran is advised to provide information about any relevant treatment received from outside VA.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee disability and granted it, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence in favor of a nexus between the current disability and service.

The Veteran's service connection for headaches, right knee scar, MDD, chronic cervical strain, DJD of the right knee post-repaired ACL and meniscal injury, chronic right ankle strain, and right foot pes planus, plantar fasciitis and callus of the great toe have been granted. The Veteran is currently assigned a 10% evaluation for his right knee scar.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current right knee disability is not related to his military service, and thus denies his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including hearing loss, gout, stomach disorder, and psychiatric disability. The Board has determined that further examination is necessary to address the severity of these conditions.,The Veteran claims service connection for gout (of the left knee and feet) and a stomach disorder. A VA examination is needed to determine if these disabilities are related to his military service.