Knee decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for low back, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities necessitate the use of bilateral knee braces, which cause wear and tear on his pants. The Board finds that he is entitled to annual VA clothing allowances for the year 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss. The remaining issues of neck, right knee, left knee (secondary to right knee), right shoulder, and left shoulder disabilities are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for a right knee disability and remanded the issues of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities based on 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for service connection of left knee disability, and the Board dismissed it.

The Board has granted initial ratings of 30 percent for left and right knee instability, effective March 20, 2009. These ratings are based on severe instability without limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left knee instability and chondromalacia, as well as his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to the need for additional examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new legal precedent regarding service connection and pain as a disability. The Veteran's low back condition, including scoliosis, will need to be evaluated by VA medical professionals. Additionally, there is uncertainty about whether the right knee meniscus tear is related to his in-service ACL repair.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has remanded the case for a higher rating. The Veteran testified that his condition has worsened and requested a new examination to assess current severity.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shin disability and left knee disability. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD, effective February 6, 2007. He is also granted SMC at the rate for housebound veterans from November 18, 2013.,The Veteran's PTSD alone rendered him unemployable and he has additional disabilities independently rated at 60% or more since November 18, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee disability, but has remanded the issue of service connection for degenerative arthritis and sclerosis of the spine (claimed as lower back pain).

The Board has remanded the claims for major depression, left knee and right knee disabilities due to additional development being necessary. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Veteran's current plantar fasciitis of the right and left foot, tinnitus, traumatic brain injury (TBI), headaches, PTSD, and right knee disability are all found to be related to his military service.,Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The appeals for service connection of the right elbow disorder, right knee disorder, tinnitus, hemorrhoids, and bilateral tinea pedis have been dismissed.,The application to reopen the finally disallowed claims of service connection for a bilateral hip disorder (Legg-Perthes disease) and lumbar spondylolisthesis has been granted. The appeals for these conditions are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability, including osteoarthritis and total left knee arthroplasty. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury as a cargo handler during his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right elbow injury, left elbow injury, lumbosacral pain, and right knee pain. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.,Service connection was also denied for depression/panic disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the left knee, bilateral hearing loss, and sleep apnea. The evidence did not show current diagnoses or a nexus to service.

The Board denied a higher rating for right knee DJD and residuals of right knee meniscectomy, finding that the current ratings adequately reflect the Veteran's disability levels.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for spine conditions and bilateral knee condition due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.