Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable. The claim of service connection for hemorrhoids and left knee condition was reopened, but the issues are still pending due to additional evidence being requested.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for right knee strain and patellar and infrapatellar tendinitis, finding that it is proximately due to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee osteoarthritis due to insufficient rationale in previous VA opinions, particularly regarding the secondary theory of causation.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a right hip disability and secondary service connection for left knee disability due to new evidence received since previous decisions. The Veteran's hearing testimony suggests aggravation of his hip condition while in military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher disability rating for his left knee injury before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of aggravation of hypertension during service, and that there was no evidence to show that any other conditions claimed by the Veteran had been aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete records. The Veteran will need to provide updated VA treatment records, SSA disability determination records, and an examination by a psychologist or psychiatrist to determine the nature of her psychiatric disabilities. An orthopedic examination is also needed to assess the etiology of her low back, left shoulder, right knee, and right ankle disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted since his original claim decisions. The claims are now pending and will be reviewed again with a focus on obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee conditions have been rated at the lowest possible level (10%) and are not entitled to a higher rating.,The Veteran’s right leg fracture postoperative condition has also been rated at the lowest possible level (10%) and is not entitled to a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and bilateral knee pain have been granted. The claim for bilateral knee pain is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings due to deficiencies in previous examinations and records. Specifically, additional medical opinions are needed regarding diabetes mellitus, a VA examination is required for the Veteran's back disability, and medical records from Pensacola Naval Hospital since September 2013 need to be obtained.

The Veteran's right knee disability, diagnosed as osteoarthritis, is rated at a 30 percent level due to limitation of flexion to 15 degrees. The highest schedular rating for this condition has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability, specifically residuals of a total knee replacement. The decision is based on direct evidence linking the current condition to an in-service injury during military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee conditions due to a lack of current disability evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right knee disability is secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's bilateral knee conditions are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for the right and left knees is granted, with a finding that they began during active service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee condition and left total knee arthroplasty were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right knee condition, and did not meet the criteria for a higher rating for his left knee condition or left total knee arthroplasty.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to determine if the Veteran's left knee disorder is secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and bilateral hip disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee condition has been reopened and denied.,The Veteran's lung cancer claim is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his psychiatric disorder, sinusitis, migraines, knee and hip conditions, and wrist disability, prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU for the period on appeal.