Knee decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine and a right knee condition, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further examination and consideration due to inconsistencies in the medical evidence and the need for clarification of his knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to SMC based on aid and attendance from January 23, 2018 due to his service-connected disabilities making his daily environment hazardous.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of right and left knee disabilities have been denied. The Board found insufficient evidence to link the current knee disabilities to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected knee disabilities did not warrant a rating in excess of the current 10 percent ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee strain with arthralgia, meniscal tear, and patellofemoral pain syndrome, finding that the condition began in service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for an additional examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, bilateral knees, and lower back to allow for new VA examinations that address whether these conditions are secondary to his service-connected bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for left knee instability with torn meniscus is dismissed. The issue of service connection for frostbite residuals of the bilateral hands is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection, evaluation of left knee disability, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues include a right leg condition, left knee strain with degenerative arthritis and limitation of flexion, and TDIU. Additional evidence is needed from VA and the Veteran regarding inpatient treatment records at Ramstein Medical Clinic and SSA benefits decision. A new examination for left knee disability is required.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and meniscal cartilage issues, is being remanded for further evaluation. His GERD/gastric ulcer disorder and psychiatric condition are also being remanded due to the submission of new evidence.,A TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of a right knee disability, resulting in the case being dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder is related to his active duty service and granted service connection for this condition.

The claim for a higher initial rating than 10 percent for right knee degenerative joint disease (DJD) with osteoarthritis based on limitation of motion is remanded due to the need for a retroactive VA examination.

The Veteran's disability ratings for his lumbar spine, cervical spine, and left knee disabilities were reduced. The reductions are now restored to their original levels.

The Veteran's right hip and right knee conditions have been granted service connection, with a temporary total rating for hospitalization following the surgeries.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative changes of the right knee was denied because there was no evidence of an in-service event, disease, or injury.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee pain was denied because there was no evidence of a current disability or an in-service event, disease, or injury.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disability, an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD), and for bilateral hearing loss. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with these other issues.

The Board has dismissed the claims of whether the AOJ applied the proper compensation rate to an award of a combined 60 percent disability rating and entitlement to service connection for sinus bradycardia with dizziness. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service connection for a left ankle disability and a right knee disability are granted. The Veteran is also entitled to a 10% rating for his right knee disability, but the case is remanded for further examination.