Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's right knee disability is granted an increased rating to 20 percent, effective from April 6, 2017. The compensable ratings for left and right knee scars are denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including secondary service connection for various conditions. The specific issues include sleep apnea, hypertension as secondary to lumbar-sacral strain, obesity, left knee condition associated with lumbar-sacral strain, right knee strain associated with lumbar-sacral strain, headaches, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral knee disabilities, tinnitus, and hypertension with hypercholesterolemia were denied. The claim for bilateral knee disabilities was not granted due to lack of in-service onset or continuity of symptoms. Tinnitus was granted as incurred during active service. Hypertension with hypercholesterolemia remained denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to the need for additional medical evidence and clarification of treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hip and psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected depression and left knee disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since February 24, 2013. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the current severity of his knee and lumbar spine disabilities, including functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigability, or incoordination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral knee disability, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the service connection claims for bilateral knee disabilities due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for further examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically a new VA examination to address the current severity of the issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and need for further examinations.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and right knee osteoarthritis, as well as entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee osteoarthritis. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee shrapnel wound was reopened and granted due to the presence of a curvilinear metallic foreign body in his right leg, which he claims occurred during combat in Vietnam. The Board found that there is reasonable doubt on whether the injury occurred in service, but decided in favor of granting service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a left ankle disability and bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found no current disability of the left ankle, and that the Veteran’s hearing loss did not meet VA criteria for compensation benefits.,For the knee issues, the Veteran's claim is remanded as there are insufficient examinations to determine if his current disabilities are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, but has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's right hip and left foot disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral ankle disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. A VA examination is needed to determine if these disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection to be reopened and granted. The claims for service connection of various conditions are denied, except for a 10% disability rating for hiatal hernia with GERD effective June 3, 2013. A TDIU is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current disability is at least as likely as not caused by his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee condition and headaches. The Board found that there was no evidence to support the Veteran’s claim of chronicity or continuity of symptomatology, nor any link between his current conditions and in-service events.

The petition to reopen the claims for service connection for a back condition and left knee degenerative arthritis is granted. The appeal is granted to that extent only.