Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left knee disability has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to new VA treatment records reflecting worsening symptoms of left knee patellofemoral syndrome and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance for the 2018 calendar year for a left knee brace is being remanded due to incomplete records. The AOJ needs to obtain and review any VA treatment records regarding the issuance of his new left knee brace in 2017.

The Veteran's right knee brace, issued by VA in connection with his service-connected right knee disability, causes wear and tear to his clothing. The Board granted a clothing allowance for the 2017 calendar year due to this issue.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, left shoulder condition, neck disability, chronic right knee pain, and others. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to decide the Veteran's claims for service connection of his left hip disability and right knee disability with cyst, as these conditions are claimed to be secondary to his service-connected ankylosing spondylitis. The claims will be remanded for further examination and medical opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a rating in excess of 60 percent for his service-connected right knee post traumatic degenerative disease requiring total knee replacement. The claim to reopen the skin condition was remanded, and the increased rating for residuals of malaria issue is pending.

The Veteran's claim to reopen the service connection for a left knee disability is granted. The Board finds new and material evidence has been received, including statements of support, VA treatment records, and private medical opinions indicating his current left knee disability may be related to his time in service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of claims by his representative.,The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and secondary service connection have been remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection and has determined that he is entitled to service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, which was related to his military service. The rating assigned is 30%.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations provided for the Veteran's left shoulder, low back strain with degenerative disc disease, and right knee injury are inadequate. The Veteran is therefore being remanded to obtain new examinations.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for right and left leg shin splints, right and left knee disorders, and bronchitis as these issues were withdrawn by the Veteran's representative prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for right shoulder disability, service connection for back and knee disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as other conditions such as low back disability, hip, ankle, knee, foot disabilities, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric condition. The remand requires obtaining VA treatment records, conducting examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions, and providing opinions on their relationship to service.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability and remanded the cases for further examination regarding right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee, shin splints, right ankle, bilateral heel spurs, gastrointestinal disability, erectile dysfunction, carpal tunnel syndrome, and nerve disability of the lower legs and feet due to inadequate VA examination reports. The issues are related to service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is restored to 70 percent effective June 1, 2015. Service connection for a left knee disability is denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also denied.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding exposure to environmental contaminants during service. The Veteran's kidney condition is related to his exposure at Atsugi, Japan. Other conditions are being reviewed.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability, left knee meniscus tear, and right knee meniscus tear are all rated at 10 percent each.,Service connection for depression is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease is at least as likely as not related to an injury sustained during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.