Knee decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee conditions, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current knee disabilities and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, including bilateral degenerative joint disease, finding that the Veteran's time as a paratrooper in service likely caused his current conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal of the recoupment of disability severance pay from VA disability compensation, finding that the law requires such recoupment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since March 2010, granting his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected due to its relation to his service-connected DM.,Left knee DJD was not granted an increased rating beyond the initial 10% prior to October 19, 2015. From that date, a 30% disability rating for left knee instability was granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the right knee is denied as his range of motion does not meet criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has remanded three issues related to the Veteran's right knee disabilities due to inadequate examination records and the need for additional medical evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include hypertension, stomach disorder (ulcers, stomach problems, GERD), right knee disability, right ankle disability, right leg disability, right foot disability, back disorder (DDD of the lumbar spine), erectile dysfunction, and acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depression).

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connection due to in-service noise exposure.,Service connection for forgetfulness is denied because it encompasses the same symptomatology as PTSD and there is no separate disability manifested by forgetfulness.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to knee braces is granted as the evidence shows that he used these braces in 2017, causing damage to his pants. The Board found sufficient evidence of wear and tear on his clothes.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and remanded the issues of initial compensable ratings for left and right knee bursitis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left leg radiculopathy is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of current disability and links it to his service-connected low back disability, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claims for left shoulder condition, low back condition, left foot condition, right foot condition, left knee condition, and right knee condition due to insufficient verification of service periods.

The Board has granted service connection for low back, left hip, and right hip disabilities. Service connection was denied for a left knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for spinal stenosis and major depressive disorder were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted. The claims of increased ratings for patellofemoral syndrome and osteoarthritis of the right and left knees affecting limitation of flexion are also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and bilateral knee disorders, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the claims related to TBI, migraine headaches, right knee disability, right leg shin splints, numbness and tremors of upper and lower extremities, heat sensitivity, and vision problems. The Veteran's service records indicate exposure to heat stroke during his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of a left knee disability during the appeal period and its relationship to other service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, back, bilateral hip, and bilateral knee disorders due to secondary service connection. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions and records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee replacements, finding that there is no evidence linking his current knee disabilities to his military service.