Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right knee disability was denied because he failed to report for a necessary VA examination, and the Board found that further development would not result in a grant of any benefit.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, bilateral elbow disabilities, bilateral knee disabilities, bilateral wrist disabilities, and TDIU have been dismissed. The appeal for service connection for a back condition has been remanded.

The Veteran's appeal concerning the earlier effective date for a 10 percent rating for left knee degenerative arthritis is dismissed.,A separate 10 percent rating, but no higher, for left knee instability from November 5, 2012 is granted. The Veteran’s claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee condition remains denied.,Secondary service connection for back and bilateral hip disabilities are granted.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of motion and instability, is currently rated at 10 percent. The appeal for a higher rating has been granted.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was incurred during service and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted reopening of the claims for service connection for a back condition, bilateral knee disabilities, and peripheral vestibular disorder. The claim for service connection for a right tibia disability remains denied.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability and a psychiatric disability, finding that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service injury or disease. The current disabilities were found to be unrelated to service.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine, right hip, upper back, knees, and ankles disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service records did not show any complaints or diagnoses related to the claimed knee and ankle issues. The Veteran's separation examination found no current medical problems.

The Board has denied service connection for left knee condition as secondary to residuals, fracture or calcis right foot.,The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for COPD related to asbestos exposure and Coronary Artery Disease as secondary to COPD.

The Board denied service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, bilateral shoulder impingement syndrome, and DDD/DJD of the lumbar spine as they are not related to service or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's right knee meniscus injury with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion prior to April 26, 2011, is granted a disability rating of 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, considering his education and employment history.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee injury and for a compensable rating for malaria. The Board found that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the current diagnoses, and that the Veteran's symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for left knee instability on and after March 18, 2017. The Veteran's disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5261.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of consideration of whether the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability is aggravated by his service-connected Hodgkin's disease treatment.

The claim of service connection for a bilateral knee disability is reopened, but the Veteran's request to reopen his claim remains pending as further development and adjudication are needed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current right knee disability and his service. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to address all relevant evidence, including in-service complaints and treatment for recurrent pyoderma with cellulitis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of right knee disability, left knee disability, and headaches have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary due to the inadequacy of a June 2015 VA medical opinion and the need for another remand. The Veteran's right knee disability may be related to an in-service injury, but more evidence is needed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims related to hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as for service connection for various disabilities. The Veteran will be provided another opportunity to obtain private medical records and participate in a VA audiological examination.