Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating greater than 70 percent for major depressive disorder was denied. The claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee arthritis, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability and also reopened his previously denied claim. The evidence shows that the Veteran had chronic right knee pain since service, which was diagnosed as arthritis.

The Veteran is seeking a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and sleep apnea. The Board has ordered a remand for further examination and opinion regarding the impact of all service-connected conditions on employment.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for a left knee disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding its etiology. The Veteran's lay reports and previous surgeries are considered, but further examination is needed.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded for further examination and rating consideration due to the need for updated medical evidence and a reassessment of his disability levels.

The Veteran's left knee brace, issued for his service-connected disability, causes wear and tear to his clothing. The Board granted a clothing allowance for the 2018 calendar year based on this finding.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including bilateral knee chondrocalcinosis and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, were not found to be causally related to his active military service. The Board denied claims for service connection based on direct evidence and denied all other issues due to lack of a probative nexus between current disabilities and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional development, including verification of in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, and left ankle disorders are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder claim is also remanded as there were no adequate VA examinations provided.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and a right knee disability, both secondary to the Veteran's service-connected residuals of a right femur fracture. The rating for the residuals of the right femur fracture remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran withdrew his claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left knee condition, and right knee degenerative arthritis in a communication received by the Board in March 2019.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent effective April 7, 2016. The claim for TDIU prior to March 29, 2018 remains denied.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a left knee disability due to conflicting evidence and need for additional development. The Veteran's current left knee disability is less likely than not caused by or related to an in-service injury, including as secondary to his right ankle fracture.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left knee pain, right knee pain, left heel pain, and right heel pain due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's claimed conditions are not presumed as chronic conditions under VA law.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for left and right knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence, requiring further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to potential service connection issues. The Veteran will need to undergo further examination and evidence collection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding service connection claims, including those related to the low back and left ankle disabilities.,The Veteran's current knee conditions are rated based on instability and meniscal tear. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.

The Veteran's bilateral knee condition was not incurred in or a result of her military service, and the Board denied her claim for service connection.