Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The decision also remanded several issues, including the claim of service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and an increased evaluation for his left knee disability. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a finding of direct service connection, and that the current evaluations were appropriate given the Veteran's symptoms.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a bilateral knee disability due to lack of new and material evidence, and the opinion from the VA examiner found no direct relationship between the Veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis and his bilateral knee degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's claim for service connection was reopened, but the reduction in his major depressive disorder rating from 70% to 50% is not upheld. The right knee disability and sleep apnea claims are still pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected lower back disability and right knee strain due to new examinations being necessary as he indicated a worsening of symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with effective dates ranging from July 15, 2014. The conditions are secondary to his service-connected bilateral feet disabilities.

The Board has dismissed all issues related to the veteran's claims as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee medial meniscus tear was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for VA examinations and clarification of diagnoses.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent from December 1, 2018. The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of his claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's applications to reopen his claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension, both secondary to PTSD. The other claims have been denied as new and material evidence was not provided.

The Board has determined that no additional equipment purchases or home modifications are necessary for the Veteran's independent living plan, as previous programs have provided for the minimum property requirements and other necessary features.

The Board denied service connection for right eye cataracts, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a link between the condition and active service.,For the period prior to January 8, 2013, the Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 10 percent. The Board found no basis to grant an increased rating beyond this level.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee condition and thrombocytopenia are remanded due to incomplete post-separation medical records. The left knee claim requires clarification on whether the Veteran has a current left knee disability and if it is linked to service.

The appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder condition is dismissed.,Entitlement to service connection for hypertension is granted. The Veteran's hypertension is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis is granted service connection. The Board also granted service connection for a cervical spine condition, left hip arthritis (secondary to lumbar spine degenerative disc disease), and obstructive sleep apnea. Service connection was denied for the remaining conditions.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current left knee condition, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension are not related to service. The claims for these conditions have been remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right knee pain, tinea pedis, and hemorrhoids due to new evidence received since the last final denial. The Veteran's symptoms are currently mild or moderate.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been dismissed as he withdrew his claims. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disorders is granted.

The Board dismissed all claims for service connection, including those for pulmonary disorder, neurological disorder, sinus disorder, kidney disorder, right knee disorder, numbness of the left side of the face, heart disorder, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding these issues during a hearing before the Board.