Knee decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are not related to his military service.,The Board also denied service connection for a bilateral lower extremity disorder, concluding that the Veteran's right knee strain is more likely due to a post-service accident rather than in-service injury.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 10 percent prior to March 7, 2017. Service connection for low back disorder, left knee disorder, and bilateral hip disorder are denied as secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other disabling conditions that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for DJD of the left knee with patellar spurring, effective from July 19, 2016. For the period prior to July 19, 2016, the Veteran's entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and consideration of Gulf War criteria. The specific issues are related to bilateral shoulder, wrist and hand, low back, knee, ankle and foot disorders as well as tinnitus.

The Board denied service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions, including lumbar spine, bilateral finger, bilateral knee, bilateral leg, and bilateral foot disabilities. The examiner concluded that the current diagnoses were not related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, as there was no evidence showing he needed regular assistance from another person.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his left knee disabilities are dismissed.,A TDIU is granted, effective December 1, 2017.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the service connection for left hip replacement, right knee replacement, and a spine disability, including spinal fusion.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee and cervical neck disabilities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability. The claim is also granted with respect to a separate rating for her left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the cause of the Veteran's left leg disability, specifically his left knee scar and DJD. The case is now pending further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders have been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding her PTSD and dysthymic disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives. The Veteran's left knee and right knee disabilities are still under consideration, as is his left hand disability and hypertension.

The Board dismissed all service connection claims for osteoarthritis of the left and right knees as the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for post-operative residuals of a total right knee replacement and vision problems, to include dry eyes due to incomplete development. The Veteran's service connection claim remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives and a need for clarification regarding aggravation. The Veteran's left knee disability is being reviewed again to determine if it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of multiple conditions were granted effective October 1, 2011.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease is granted a 20 percent rating, but no higher. The diabetes mellitus, type II, rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives and additional development is needed, particularly regarding whether the Veteran's preexisting left hip condition was aggravated by active duty service.