Knee decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right and left knee disorders due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disability claims, including a respiratory condition presumed due to Gulf War exposure. The Board has ordered additional examinations and development for several other conditions related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's entitlement to increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the bilateral knees and right ankle tendonitis is granted from June 3, 2017 to December 15, 2018.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disorders, finding no evidence of in-service injury or chronic condition that could be linked to current symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, plantar fasciitis of the left and right feet, a lumbar spine disability, degenerative arthritis of the knees, were all denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including arthritis and painful motion, moderate patellar dislocation, and symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage, is rated at 10 percent from April 9, 2016 to September 22, 2017. The rating remains unchanged for the rest of the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the claim for an initial compensable rating for limitation of flexion due to right knee arthritis because there is insufficient information about functional loss during flare-ups and prolonged use.

Service connection is granted for bilateral pes planus. Service connection is denied for cervical spine, lumbar spine, right elbow/arm, left elbow/arm, right hip, left hip, and left knee disabilities.

The Board has dismissed all the Veteran's claims as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has dismissed all appeals regarding service connection for various conditions as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including VA treatment records and SSA disability determination. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to address his claimed conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee condition and heart disease, finding that the Veteran did not have current diagnoses of these conditions separate from his service-connected injuries. The heart disease was found to be preexisting and not aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disorders, as well as headaches, finding that the Veteran's current conditions were not incurred in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding functional loss due to flare-ups throughout the period on appeal.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives regarding knee flare-ups and range of motion testing.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disorder and a lumbar spine disorder, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding these claims.

The Veteran's tinnitus is at least likely as not related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's right knee disability is at least likely as not related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's respiratory or nose condition is at least likely as not related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) is at least likely as not related to his active duty service.,PTSD was denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the claims for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's right hip and right knee disabilities are related to service, including his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for bipolar disorder, PTSD, and a higher rating for right knee injury residuals due to incomplete records and further examination. The Veteran's potential service in Grenada needs verification, and diagnostic testing is required for his right knee condition.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus due to missing service treatment records and personnel records. The Veteran is required to provide information about his military occupational specialty (MOS) and any relevant medical treatment records.