Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals as to bilateral hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, and insomnia. The remaining issues are remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been assigned a 10 percent disability rating, which is the maximum schedular rating authorized under the applicable rating criteria. The Board finds no other applicable diagnostic code on which a higher schedular disability rating could be assigned for his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for a back disability, service connection for right and left knee disorders, and TDIU. The appeals are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding causation or aggravation of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine was denied due to lack of evidence showing a link between his current condition and military service. The claim for PTSD has been reopened, but not granted as there is no credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressors occurred.,The Veteran's claims for left knee degenerative joint disease, right knee degenerative joint disease, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, conjunctivitis, sinusitis, tinea pedis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were all denied as there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred during or related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has restored the Veteran's left knee instability rating from 20% to 10%, finding that there was no actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development on several issues, including service connection for diabetes and increased ratings for various knee and shoulder disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include secondary service connection for various disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability, finding that his right knee DJD aggravates his left knee.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for right and left knee instability and subluxation in excess of 20 percent per each knee has been denied.,A separate issue, the service connection for a neck disability, is being remanded due to lack of necessary medical examination or opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for reconsideration in light of additional evidence, including private treatment records from various VA and non-VA facilities. The Appellant is requesting that these matters be reconsidered.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to insufficient medical evidence. The case will be sent back for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for right and left knee disabilities. The decision is based on the evidence not showing a direct relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted.,Service-connected chondromalacia patella of the left knee and right knee are each granted a 10 percent evaluation, effective from February 1, 2010.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee condition as there was no credible evidence showing an in-service injury or related to service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the claims of service connection for a right knee disorder and depression, including as secondary to a right knee disorder. The Veteran's medical records from his reserve duty service and private treatment records are required, along with VA examinations.

The Veteran's initial claim for a left knee disability was granted, but he disagrees with the assigned rating and wants a higher one. The VA has ordered a new examination to assess his current condition.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status has been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) due to lack of anatomical loss or use, blindness, or inability to walk without assistive devices. Additionally, he is not permanently bedridden or in need of regular aid and attendance as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of his PTSD and right knee disability.

The Veteran's request to reopen his service connection claim for a right knee disorder is granted. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been submitted, including VA treatment records, a VA examination report, and lay statements from the Veteran. However, the claim remains remanded as the requested medical opinion was not provided.