Knee decisions — 2019

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of hypertension, TDIU, and rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of bilateral knees and ankles, a low back condition including arthritis, obstructive sleep apnea. The claims of service connection for these conditions are remanded.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a bilateral knee disability and granted it, finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause or aggravate his current bilateral knee condition.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for various disabilities, a reduction of the rating for prostate cancer residuals, and TDIU. The Veteran's claims are pending and need further investigation.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if service connection can be established for a right index finger disability and a left knee disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left knee and granted it. The issues of entitlement to service connection for lumbar sprain and left hip strain are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle arthritis (gout), left knee degenerative joint disease, right knee degenerative joint disease, bilateral eye disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The decision was based on a lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's bilateral knee conditions and lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right wrist and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further evaluation and clarification of several issues, including service connection for various conditions.

The Board has determined that the remand is necessary due to inadequate range of motion testing in the VA examination. The Veteran's claim for increased ratings will be remanded and readjudicated after a new examination.

The Veteran's nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, right wrist joint pain, left knee chondromalacia of patella, right knee chondromalacia of patella, and left ankle sprain are granted service connection. The Veteran's hypertension is also granted service connection. However, the issues of higher initial ratings for chronic fatigue syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, non-migraine headaches, PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse disorder, TDIU prior to June 3, 2013, and special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria prior to June 3, 2013 are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability and PTSD have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and inextricably intertwined with TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in functional impairments necessitating the regular aid and attendance of another person, and caused him to be substantially confined to his dwelling. The Board has granted special monthly compensation for aid and assistance and housebound.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, right shoulder impairment, and bilateral knee condition. The Veteran's claims were not supported by competent evidence linking his current conditions to military service.,There is no medical evidence or credible lay statements indicating that the Veteran's current spinal disorders or right shoulder impairment are related to his time in the military.

The Board has granted clothing allowances for the year 2016 due to the Veteran's use of low back brace, left knee brace, and skin medications affecting his upper and lower extremities.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran had continuous symptoms since service separation. Service connection was denied for a right knee disorder.

The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to his death prior to the issuance of an appellate decision.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability due to new and material evidence submitted by the Veteran. The case is now remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee and right knee disabilities. The psychiatric disability claim is remanded.