Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The low back disability, diabetes mellitus with macular edema and diabetic retinopathy (right eye), right leg radiculitis, right knee arthritis, residuals of a left index finger fracture, hemorrhoids, and prostate cancer residuals are all rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied service connection for all of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including Hepatitis C, angina, bone cancer, an acquired psychiatric disorder (likely depression or anxiety), erectile dysfunction, GERD, herpes, hypertension, jaw disability, left arm disability, left knee disability, left leg disability, left shoulder disability, lung cancer, prostate cancer, sinusitis, and sore throat. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral shin splints, lumbar spine disability, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied due to lack of current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than December 16, 2015, for the grant of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy are also denied as there is no evidence that he filed such claims prior to this date.

The Board has found that the VA examiner did not consider all relevant factors and directives, particularly regarding the Veteran's lay statements and medical opinions. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion to address these issues.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease. The other issues of service connection for cardiovascular disease and residuals of a heatstroke, as well as TDIU, are remanded due to incomplete records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including acute myeloid leukemia, spinal stenosis, lumbar radiculopathy, right knee osteoarthritis, and ulcerative colitis. As a result, SMC based on aid and attendance for accrued benefits purposes has been granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for a right knee disability, but not for a left knee disability. The claim for service connection for PTSD is remanded due to insufficient evidence of an inservice stressor. The claims for service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension are also remanded as VA examinations are required.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing STRs and outstanding treatment records. The issues include various knee, shoulder, hand, stomach, and psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's left ankle and left knee disabilities are granted as service connected.,The reduction in rating for the right knee disability from 40% to 30% effective June 1, 2017 was not proper.

The Veteran's seizure disorder, hearing loss, head injury (including TBI), right ankle condition, and left knee condition are all granted service connection. The decision also notes that the Veteran has a history of functional impairment in his right ankle.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to her active service and resolving reasonable doubt in her favor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hip pain is secondary to his service-connected right knee disability and remands this issue for further development. The skin cancer claim related to herbicide exposure remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities due to inadequate examinations.

The Board has denied service connection for a left knee disorder and obstructive sleep apnea as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease, and the Veteran's statements are not credible.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his service connection claims for migraine headaches, stroke residuals, back disorder, left knee disorder, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and heart disorder. The appeals are now remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to a headache condition, neck condition, left knee condition, back condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, and post-service hysterectomy have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection will be remanded for these conditions as further review is needed.

A rating of 10 percent for service-connected chronic maxillary sinusitis is granted. The Veteran's right knee instability and range of motion issues are remanded.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's claims, and therefore, the case is being remanded for further action.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a right knee disability and left knee disability as part of his appeal. The issues are related to whether he can establish service connection for these disabilities, or if they are aggravated by his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of flexion, 20 percent for arthritis status post meniscectomy, and 20 percent for instability.