Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's malunion of the tibia and fibula of the left leg is granted a rating of 30 percent, effective June 7, 2019. A separate compensable rating of 10 percent for the removed, symptomatic meniscus of the left knee is also granted.

The Veteran's service connection for Hepatitis A is denied. The rating of 10 percent for right elbow epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) is granted effective August 31, 2015. For the period prior to October 2, 2012, a 20 percent rating for dislocated semilunar cartilage of the right knee is granted. For the period beginning October 2, 2012, a rating in excess of 10 percent for symptomatic residuals of a right knee meniscectomy is denied. A separate 10 percent rating for instability of the right knee is granted.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and meniscal tear are found to be aggravated by his service-connected Achilles tendon rupture, which is granted. The left knee disability issue is remanded for an addendum opinion from the VA examiner.

The Veteran's service connection for Hepatitis A is denied. The rating of 10 percent for right elbow epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) is granted effective August 31, 2015. For the period prior to October 2, 2012, a 20 percent rating for dislocated semilunar cartilage of the right knee is granted. For the period beginning October 2, 2012, a rating in excess of 10 percent for symptomatic residuals of a right knee meniscectomy is denied. A separate 10 percent rating for instability of the right knee is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for low back disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, tinnitus, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, bilateral heel spurs, bilateral tinea pedis, chronic sinus disorder, OSA, hemorrhoids, and bilateral hearing loss. The appeal is granted to this extent only.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee conditions due to a lack of VA examination and treatment records, as well as unclear opinions from the VA doctor.

The Board has denied service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus and has remanded the issue of service connection for Right Knee Disability. The appeal is considered 'mixed' as it involves both granted and pending issues.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent, and his TDIU claim is granted.,The Veteran's herniated lumbar disc/intervertebral disc syndrome is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's cervical disc disease, thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) L3-4, and left knee sprain are granted with increased ratings effective February 28, 2011. The issues of service connection for epididymitis and eczema are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an annual VA clothing allowance due to the use of a left knee brace is remanded. The type of brace used in 2017 and its impact on clothing wear need clarification.

The Board has decided that the appellant's period of service in the United States Air Force Reserve from March 1984 to April 1985 may be recognized as active air service for VA benefits, but further evidence is needed to determine if this constitutes a valid claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee cyst, right knee degenerative joint disease, and left knee degenerative joint disease. The evidence did not meet the criteria for reopening the claim of service connection for left knee cyst due to lack of new and material evidence. For both right and left knee conditions, the Board found that there was no in-service injury or disease related to the current condition.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the Veteran's right knee disability, including a 20 percent rating for instability and separate 20 and 30 percent ratings for limitation of flexion and extension, respectively.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral knee and ankle disorders due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial. The Veteran's current diagnoses include arthritic conditions of the knees and ankles, but there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's limb girdle muscular dystrophy, bilateral foot disorder, left knee disorder, lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, right knee disorder, left ankle disorder, and right ankle disorder are all granted. The Veteran's service connection for an eye disorder, cervical and lumbar spine disorders, thyroid condition, right and left hip disorders, right and left knee disorders, right and left ankle disorders, right and left toenail removal, sleep disorder, skin rash, and hysterectomy is remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's left knee disorder may have existed before service and was not aggravated during service, but an additional medical opinion is needed to clarify this determination.

The Board has dismissed all claims for increased ratings and the case is closed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee and lumbar spine disabilities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability. The rating of 30 percent for right knee replacement is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for lower back and eye disabilities, as well as bilateral knee and foot disabilities. The claims are being returned to VA for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee pain has been reopened, but the Board has determined that remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion regarding whether his current left knee disorder is related to service.