Knee decisions — 2019

The Board has vacated the previous decisions and remanded two issues: an increased rating for left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and a TDIU claim prior to May 6, 2013. The claims are now inextricably intertwined due to the impact of the left knee disability on the TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received sufficient to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for left and right knee replacements. The Veteran's knee problems are believed to have started during his time in service, but he did not receive treatment at the time. He underwent multiple knee replacements since leaving service.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development being required, including obtaining more VA and private treatment records, scheduling a Sharp compliant examination for the Veteran's right knee disability, and readjudicating the claims.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and major depressive disorder. The claim of service connection for left knee disability is reopened, but remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorders and hypertension, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's right knee disability, sleep apnea, cervical spine degenerative changes, radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, and hernia have been granted service connection. The Veteran is also entitled to increased ratings for his cervical spine degenerative changes, radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities.

The Board found that the Appellant is not entitled to special monthly pension (SMP) based on her need for aid and attendance, as she does not meet the criteria of actual requirements of personal assistance from others.

The Veteran's disability rating for left knee instability was reduced from 20 percent to noncompensable effective May 16, 2016. The reduction was proper and the 20 percent rating is not restored.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee pain and back pain are remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations. The issues of rating in excess of 50 percent for service connected persistent depressive disorder and earlier effective date prior to December 8, 2015 for service connected persistent depressive disorder are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient development and examination. The issues include right shoulder, middle finger, knee, foot, back, breast reduction surgery, cervical dysplasia (claimed as cancerous-type tissue), migraine headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has denied service connection for lower back injury, bilateral hearing loss, and right knee DJD. The claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected, but has found in favor of granting service connection for tinnitus. The right knee disability is remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to his service-connected pes planus.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee patellofemoral syndrome/degenerative joint disease (DJD), right knee patellofemoral syndrome/DJD, and lumbar spine disorder. The issues of service connection for left lower extremity sciatic nerve damage and right lower extremity sciatic nerve damage are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to worsening of his knee conditions and a need for updated examination reports.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of a left knee injury and chronic pain syndrome have been reopened due to new evidence provided since the previous final decisions. The claims are granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disorders, as well as a right hip disorder claimed as secondary to these conditions. The Veteran will need to undergo additional VA examinations to determine the etiology of his current knee and hip disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a bilateral knee disability, finding that there is no medical evidence linking her current condition to her military service.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee disorders, diagnosed as residuals of medial MAKOplasty/partial knee replacement, and left and right ankle disorders, diagnosed as ankle strain of the talofibular ligament. The decision is based on a finding that these conditions were aggravated by in-service physical training and duties.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The reduction of disability ratings for knee conditions was upheld, but the Veteran did not receive a compensable rating for his hernias.