Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's disability ratings for lumbar spine and right knee conditions have been restored or granted, with the exception of a remanded issue regarding lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD was granted. The claims for major depressive disorder, bilateral dry eye syndrome and chalazion of the left lower lid, and osteoarthritis of bilateral knees were also reopened.,Service connection for bilateral dry eye syndrome and chalazion of the left lower lid is granted as secondary to service-connected blepharitis. Service connection for osteoarthritis of bilateral knees remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for insomnia is remanded due to a lack of recent examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for C2-C3 post traumatic neuralgia (diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the spine) is remanded because the VA examiner did not specifically address his claim and there was insufficient information about the location of his degenerative arthritis in the C2-C3 region.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for numbness left arm and right arm (claimed as peripheral neuropathy) are remanded due to a lack of recent examination and because the VA examiner did not provide a direct service connection opinion.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for L3-L4 diffuse disc bulging/L2-L5 lumbar spondylosis is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding continuity of care after service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypercalcemia (also claimed as a skin condition) is remanded because the VA examiner did not provide sufficient information about his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee chondromalacia is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding continuity of care after service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for abnormal myeloma cells (diagnosed as monoclonal gammopathy and leukopenia) is remanded because the VA examiner did not provide sufficient information about his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection for various conditions due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability and a right ear hearing loss disability. The issue of assigning a disability rating in excess of 0 percent for a left ear hearing loss disability is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of the Veteran's right elbow, left elbow, right knee, and left knee disabilities for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for gout, right knee disability, asthma, and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, a colon disorder (to include as secondary to service-connected malaria or herbicide exposure), a left knee disorder, and a right knee disorder due to inadequate VA medical opinions.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ratings for various conditions and claims of secondary service connection. The decision also notes that there are outstanding VA treatment records which need to be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with arthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional National Guard service records and updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right knee disability is aggravated by his service-connected heel disabilities. The TDIU issue remains on hold until other service connection and higher rating issues are resolved.

The Board has remanded the claims for left knee instability, acid reflux, and sleep apnea due to incomplete development and lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to engage and retain substantially gainful employment, leading the Board to grant his claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claims for head injury residuals, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, and bilateral knee disability.,Further examination is needed to determine if any of these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left knee, right knee, and left foot disabilities secondary to his service-connected right foot disability have been granted. Service connection for PTSD has also been established.

The Board has remanded the claims for right ankle, bilateral knees, back, bilateral bunions, and bilateral hammertoes due to a lack of relevant medical records from UCLA in the 1970s. The Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability may also be considered as it relates to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is not related to service or his service-connected left knee disability, and thus denied the claim.

Service connection is granted for sleep apnea secondary to service-connected PTSD and asthma/COPD. Service connection for left knee disability prior to December 17, 2018, is dismissed due to lack of case or controversy. The claim for erectile dysfunction is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records and military personnel file, as well as any private medical records. The claims for service connection are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for erectile dysfunction, left knee disability, and right knee disability due to insufficient reasons provided in previous VA examinations.