Knee Board decisions

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding service connection for a neck disability, a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for status post lateral meniscus tear of the right knee with degenerative arthritis, and a compensable disability rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew them prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran's left knee condition, right knee strain, left ankle sprain, and left foot hammer toes are all being reviewed.

Your claim for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities has been granted, and the appeal is dismissed as there are no longer any issues to be decided.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, is granted.,The Veteran's bilateral hip trochanteric bursitis and gout are granted.,The Veteran's right hand disability, back disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral foot disability are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's left leg scar is remanded.

The Veteran's headache disability is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder. The cervical spine, bilateral hip, and bilateral knee disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's death was due to an accidental drug overdose, and he was service connected for scars of the forearm and scalp, a left shoulder disability, and a left knee disability. The appellant filed for DIC benefits in September 2009, which were denied in March 2010. In May 2018, the rating decision granted DIC benefits based on newly obtained service treatment records showing the Veteran's separation examination from two months prior to his death indicated depression and suicidal ideation.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's asthma and left knee disability, including VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with obtaining and reviewing medical records, as well as concerns about the reliability of a previous VA examination. The Veteran's left knee condition will need further evaluation.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, with a current numeric designation of Level III.,Service connection for right knee pain and left knee pain is denied due to lack of in-service injury or disease and no persuasive evidence linking the disabilities to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and missing private treatment records. The Veteran's left knee condition is being reviewed for service connection, secondary effect of his right knee disability, aggravation by his right knee disability, and whether it began during active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraines, cervical disability, and left knee disability were denied. The rating for migraines was not granted as the attacks did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. For cervical disability, the claim was denied as the current rating already reflects the maximum schedular rating. For left knee disability, no specific rating was assigned.

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for chronic right knee strain with bursitis and right knee instability are pending. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for a back disability, TDIU, and non-service-connected pension benefits prior to July 28, 2010.

The Veteran's right knee recurrent subluxation and instability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective September 4, 2014. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to incomplete consideration of relevant facts, including in-service wear and tear on knees during active duty and post-service statements indicating ongoing pain. The claims are now pending for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disability due to new and material evidence. However, the issue remains remanded as further medical opinion is needed regarding whether the right knee disability was caused or aggravated by his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Veteran's right TKR is rated at 60 percent from August 1, 2018. The claim for a higher rating remains pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted prior to November 26, 2021. From that date, the Veteran's PTSD/MDD alone qualifies for a grant of TDIU and SMC based on housebound status.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, reopening the previously denied claim. The Veteran's PTSD and alcohol use disorder are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, resulting in a grant of TDIU. Additionally, his need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities has been established, leading to a grant of SMC.