Knee decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate to resolve the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions addressing whether these conditions are related to service or were caused by his service-connected bilateral shin splints.

The Veteran's spinal stenosis, left hip arthritis, right hip arthritis, left knee arthritis, and right knee arthritis are all granted as secondary to his service-connected right leg length discrepancy. Tinnitus is also granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions due to the need for further examination and evaluation. The Veteran's symptoms are related to in-service motorcycle accidents, but there is no medical evidence of a diagnosis or etiology for rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome due to new evidence received after March 2017.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, a back condition, and a right knee condition have been reopened. The cases are being remanded to determine the nature of these conditions and their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining an expert medical opinion on whether the Veteran's knee disabilities are related to service or his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to a lack of consideration of in-service knee pain complaints and post-service treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability, neuropathic bowel dysfunction, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, and left lower extremity sciatica. The VA examiner found that these disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, but denied service connection for his left eye and bilateral foot disabilities. The decision also remanded issues regarding a left knee disability.

The Board has remanded multiple service connection claims for various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, as well as a claim for an initial disability rating for generalized anxiety disorder. The Veteran is to be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability. The claims for bilateral ankle disabilities are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's current left knee condition is being remanded for a new medical opinion to determine if it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction have been granted service connection. Ratings for knee instability are granted, with a TDIU effective January 1, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee conditions have been granted.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for his right upper extremity radiculopathy, major has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his right foot disability, low back disorder, left knee disorder, and conjunctivitis due to incomplete examinations and lack of consideration of lay evidence.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for left ankle sprain and right knee pain (shin splints) was granted. The claim for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is also granted.,Claims for service connection for hallux disability of the right foot, disability affecting the head of the metatarsal right big toe, left knee disability, diabetes mellitus type II, and hypertension were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are more likely due to normal wear and tear after service rather than any in-service event or exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to incomplete compliance with previous directives, including obtaining in-patient hospital records from Fort Jackson and Fort Sheridan. The VA examiner was requested to provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities were related to his military service or pre-existed service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The appellant's left knee disability, including his total knee arthroplasty, is being reviewed due to service connection claims. His lumbar spine degenerative arthritis case also requires additional evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee pain, right knee disability, left elbow pain, and right elbow disability. The decision is based on the Veteran's consistent complaints of pain during and after service.