Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need of aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Veteran's left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disorders are granted service connection as they were incurred during active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty for training (INADUTRA).,The Veteran's back disorder is also granted service connection as it was incurred during ACDUTRA or INADUTRA.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder, status post right lumbar surgery with post voiding leakage, and other service-connected conditions are all denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating for any of these disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for his service-connected right knee disability is remanded due to the possibility of change in his condition since the last VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the appeal is, therefore, REMANDED as directed below. The Veteran must provide any further medical evidence not currently in VA's possession regarding her alleged service-connected disabilities. The case should be handled expeditiously.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances for his knee braces in 2013 were denied because the frequency of use of the left and right knee braces was not established, and the right knee disability is not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities due to insufficient examination findings, conflicting evidence, and potential exposure in Southwest Asia. A new examination is required.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and an increased rating for right knee injury with ligament tear were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct or secondary service connection for sleep apnea, and determined that the current rating assigned for right knee injury was appropriate.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities due to an error in the September 2017 decision and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates prior to February 27, 2013, for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities are denied.,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates prior to February 27, 2013, for right knee disability are denied.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss.,Service connection is granted for left knee disability.,COPD service connection and psychiatric disorder service connection are remanded for further development.,Right knee, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disabilities' increased ratings are remanded for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants a TDIU based on this.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service. The right little finger fracture and arthritis of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint right forefoot were not granted increased ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip, left hip, right knee, and left knee disabilities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability.,Service connection was also denied for a liver disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to January 7, 2014, on an extraschedular basis. The evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for right knee strain and denied the claim as there is no evidence showing a link between the current condition and service.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including kidney disorder, arthritis, low back disorder, hip disorders, knee disorders, and eye disorders, as the evidence did not support a finding of current disability related to service or otherwise related to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's initial claim for a right knee disability was denied, but he withdrew the appeal and later filed a new claim. The VA granted service connection with an initial rating of 10 percent effective August 30, 2012. From October 1, 2014 to February 18, 2016, the Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 10 percent for limitation of flexion and a separate 40 percent rating for painful limitation of extension. Effective April 1, 2017, his total knee replacement resulted in a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss disability is dismissed as he withdrew his claim prior to the promulgation of a decision.,The claim to reopen the low back disability was denied because no new and material evidence was presented, and the Board found that the evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.,Tinnitus is granted as service connection is established due to acoustic trauma during active service.,GERD is granted as service connection is established based on symptoms in-service and continuity of symptoms since service.,Left knee, right knee, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their etiology.,Rash on the hands and arms is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding its etiology.,Headaches are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their etiology.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, as there is conflicting evidence regarding the Veteran's knee disabilities and their relation to service.

The Board dismissed all the issues on appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.