Knee decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral knee degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to his parachute jumping during active duty service. The decision also remanded the issue of a compensable evaluation prior to October 30, 2017 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter for bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his back disability as of January 18, 2016 is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 40 percent for the service-connected back disability is granted. The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee disability is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of various disabilities, including PTSD and spine and joint disorders. The case will be returned to the Board after completion of this development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder was granted effective February 2, 2016. The decision does not involve any issues or exposure basis.

The Veteran's asthma/pulmonary condition was denied on the merits in March 2009. The RO did not consider new and material evidence, which is now required due to additional service treatment records indicating no pre-existing asthma. The Board has remanded for a de novo review of the claim involving asthma. Left knee and right ankle disabilities are also being remanded as VA examinations are needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran will be provided with a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and arthritis throughout the body. Service connection was granted for degenerative joint disease of the right and left knees.

The Board dismissed all issues related to initial ratings for left knee conditions due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for tuberculosis. The claims for service connection for right shoulder, bilateral wrist/forearm, bilateral knee, and bilateral hearing loss conditions are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disability, right knee disability, and sleep apnea are remanded. Additionally, the claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left knee disability is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, migraine/tension headaches, and knee disorders have been granted. The claim for a left knee disorder is remanded, while the right knee disorder claim remains pending.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted due to his service-connected disabilities, which include depression and anxiety, left knee conditions, lumbar spine with IVDS, right knee condition, left lower extremity radiculopathy, removal of gallbladder, residual scar from cholecystectomy, and a surgical scar on the left knee. His combined disability rating is 70 percent.

The Veteran's right knee disorder and meniscal tear are rated at 10% since the appeal period began, but no higher. The rating is for limitation of motion or arthritis.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of all issues on appeal, including those related to service connection for various conditions and an increased rating for hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disabilities, obstructive sleep apnea, and a disability to account for memory loss. The Veteran's current knee conditions are not related to his in-service injuries or illnesses.,Service connection was granted for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran’s service-connected bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not show that either condition warrants a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease due to herbicide agent exposure is granted. The right below-the-knee amputation claim is remanded as it may be related to the service-connected coronary artery disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for systemic arthritis, lumbar spine disability, bilateral knee disabilities, bilateral heel disabilities, and bilateral ankle disabilities. The decision also remanded several issues including service connection for a dental condition.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and development are needed to properly assess the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including their current severity and any functional impairment.