Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate explanation of preexisting right knee condition and consideration of functional impairment in left knee. The Veteran's claim for bilateral knee disabilities is now pending with further development required.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee arthritis, finding that there was no evidence of chronic in-service condition or manifestation within a year after separation from service. The Board also found no nexus between current knee arthritis and active service.

The Veteran's right shoulder arthritis and bilateral knee disabilities (degenerative joint disease) are granted as service-connected. The claim for a fracture of the clavicle is denied.

The Veteran's request for increased ratings for his right knee disability prior to April 26, 2017 and as of that date was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) as her service-connected disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee disability. The case is remanded to determine if a left knee disability is proximately due or aggravated by the right knee disability.

The Veteran's type 2 diabetes mellitus is granted service connection based on direct evidence. The claim for left ankle disability, right ankle disability, left elbow disability, and right elbow disability are remanded due to lack of recent VA examinations. Service connection for psychiatric disability is also remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his withdrawal of these issues. The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral flat feet is granted, and the issue of TDIU is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, left knee disability, and left hip disability. The claim of entitlement to TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 100 percent rating throughout the appeal period. The right knee disability remains remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's knees, including a reduction in disability rating for left knee ACL reconstruction and increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the left knee and degenerative changes of the right knee. The remand is due to the need for further development regarding the Veteran's lay statements about intermittent instability in his left knee.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, as the previous examinations are contradictory and do not provide sufficient information on functional loss due to flare-ups.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a bilateral knee disability, alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence does not support finding that any of these conditions began during service or are related to in-service events.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, and prostate cancer. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions began during or are otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for her service-connected mood disorder with major depressive episodes was denied. Her claim for Dependents Educational Assistance benefits was also denied due to the absence of a permanent and total disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left hand disability and an increased rating for iliotibial band syndrome of the left knee, finding no evidence to support the presence or causation of these conditions in service. The claim for left knee instability was granted with a separate 10 percent rating.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for bilateral hearing loss and left below-the-knee amputation. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed due to his failure to report for VA examinations, and the need for further medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various ankle, knee, and lumbar disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the etiology of these conditions. The examiner must consider the Veteran's lay statements and internet articles submitted by his representative.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70% disability rating prior to May 31, 2016 and a 70% disability rating from September 1, 2016. The Veteran's traumatic arthritis of the left knee is granted a separate 20% disability rating for lateral instability starting from September 14, 2012.

The Board dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.