Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims for various conditions as the Veteran passed away during the appeal process.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for PTSD, right ankle and knee disabilities, and prostate cancer residuals. The Veteran is also being asked to provide updated treatment records and undergo VA examinations to assess his current disability levels.

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected, and his DIC benefits claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 was denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status prior to February 16, 2016 was denied. However, from April 17, 2015 to February 15, 2016, he met the criteria for blindness in both eyes having only light perception, which granted him special monthly compensation at a 50% rate.

All claims for service connection or increased ratings have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an increased rating for his right knee disability. The Board found no evidence to support a finding of service connection, either direct or secondary, and concluded that the Veteran's current disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for epistaxis and initial ratings for right thigh and right knee disabilities, finding that there was no current disability of epistaxis and insufficient evidence to support a rating higher than 10 percent for the right thigh and right knee conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee and left knee degenerative joint disease, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities due to a lack of notification regarding scheduled VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeals regarding the timeliness of her notices of disagreement (NODs) for service connection claims, including those for migraines, low back condition, right knee disability, and left knee disability. The appeal was dismissed as she did not timely file NODs.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current bilateral ankle and knee disabilities do not have a direct link to his service, but the claim for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to incomplete VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, left knee and right knee impairments, and right shoulder impairment. The issues are related to exposure during his service in Iraq and Saudi Arabia due to Gulf War Syndrome.

The Veteran's left knee disability was previously rated at 10%, and the AOJ has now granted increased ratings for muscle atrophy (30%) and limited flexion of the leg (20%). The case is being remanded to clarify a conflict between prior records indicating a meniscus tear and the most recent examination report stating no meniscus condition.

The Board denied service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not etiologically related to his service-connected left calf muscle injury, left posterior tibial nerve impairment, and/or left ankle strain.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and whether VA negligence in providing medical care contributed to his death. The appellant is seeking service connection for the cause of her husband’s death, which was caused by a combination of diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and other conditions related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is found to be related to service, and service connection is granted.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as sleep trouble and depression) is denied.

The Board has found that a remand is necessary due to the Veteran's failure to attend scheduled VA examinations for his service-connected right knee, bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, and dermatographism disabilities. The claims are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly pension based on housebound status and need for aid and attendance due to lack of evidence showing he is unable to perform daily activities or requires regular assistance from another person.