Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's applications to reopen claims for sleep apnea and left knee disability were denied, as the new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims. The application to increase the rating of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was also denied, with the Board finding that the symptoms did not warrant a 100% rating due to the absence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further medical examinations. The issues include left elbow, back, TBI, headaches, neck, and left knee/leg conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right and left knee arthritis due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations, particularly regarding functional loss during flare-ups and repetitive use. The AOJ will also review his TDIU claim as it is inextricably intertwined with his right knee disability claims.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are found to be secondary to his service-connected ankle disability.,The Veteran's back disability is found to be aggravated by his service-connected ankle disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral knee disability. The claims for hypertension, skin disability (claimed as hydraulic burns), head trauma residuals (claimed as dementia), and dental disability are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his degenerative arthritis left knee and right knee (claimed as baker’s cyst) are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the appellant's current right leg disability and his service, including a jump from a falling bulldozer.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left knee, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disorders due to inadequate reasons and bases in previous decisions. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has granted a separate 20 percent rating for left knee episodes of locking, pain and effusion with history of a meniscus condition effective January 12, 2015. The Veteran's other claims were denied.

The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right hip injury is granted. The Board also remanded several issues related to low back, left hip, right hip, left knee, and bilateral nerve conditions.

The claim for service connection of the right knee disability was reopened, but the claim for an increased rating of the right ankle disability remains denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of right and left knee disabilities. The appeal is granted on these issues. However, both knee disability claims are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for clothing allowances for a back brace and left knee brace as they do not qualify under VA regulations due to lack of evidence showing wear and tear on her clothing.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for bilateral foot disorders, major depressive disorder, right knee and left knee arthritis, skin disorder (claimed as from shaving), allergic rhinitis, and headaches. The specific nature and etiology of these conditions will be determined through further medical examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's thoracic spine condition. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for his left foot, left knee, and right knee conditions as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service injury that would support such claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, and low back disability are being reviewed again due to inconsistencies in the medical records. For TDIU, updated information about employment status is needed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and knee disabilities are rated as appropriate, but his respiratory disability (sinusitis) is not currently service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for tendonitis, sore feet, and hemorrhoids were denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.,Service connection was not established for any of the claimed conditions.