Knee Board decisions

Service connection for a lumbar spine disability, arthritis, gastrointestinal disability, and brain atrophy (as a residual of TBI) is denied.,The Veteran's current disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's complete service treatment records and to ensure proper notification of their unavailability. The issues of service connection for various disabilities are being remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and a right thigh disability, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease resulting in current disabilities. The Board also found that any current arthritis is not related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee degenerative joint disease and denied service connection for a stomach disorder. The decision is based on the Veteran's continuous symptoms of arthritis since service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right knee meniscus tear status post surgery and TDIU due to concerns about the consistency of the February 2019 VA examiner’s findings with the lay statements regarding knee instability, flare-ups, and pain over time. The case is being returned for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, a skin condition including eczema on the inside of the knees, and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted effective October 15, 2018. The SMC based on housebound status claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and need for further examination. The issues include chronic fatigue, a chronic joint condition (manifested by knee and ankle pain), and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a left knee disability, lumbar spine disability (to include as secondary to a knee disability), and sleep apnea due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Veteran's urinary disability was initially rated at 40 percent prior to March 29, 2018 and increased to 60 percent from that date. The gout rating remained at 20 percent before April 30, 2019 but increased to 60 percent starting on that date. The right knee disability was rated at 10 percent prior to May 1, 2018 and then at 40 percent from May 1, 2018 to May 14, 2018. It was rated at 60 percent starting July 1, 2019. The left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was initially rated at 10 percent prior to February 15, 2019 and then increased to 40 percent starting on that date. The right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was initially rated at 10 percent prior to February 15, 2019 and then increased to 40 percent starting on that date.,The Veteran's urinary disability met the criteria for a higher rating from March 29, 2018 to April 30, 2019. The gout rating was increased to 60 percent beginning on April 30, 2019. The right knee and peripheral neuropathy ratings were also increased accordingly.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disorder and degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient examination findings and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a left foot disability, right knee disability as due to a left knee disability, and depressive disorder. Service connection was denied for cervical spine disorder, bilateral upper extremity nerve impingement, lumbar spine disorder, and left shoulder disorder as due to a left knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his depression and physical conditions such as back pain, knee issues, hip problems, and erectile dysfunction, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since February 8, 2013. The Board granted a TDIU for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her lumbar spine and right knee disabilities were denied. The claim for a higher rating for arthritis and chondromalacia of the right knee prior to September 17, 2013 was granted with a 10% rating.

The Board has denied service connection for chloracne, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), left hand arthritis, left knee degenerative joint disease (DJD), enlarged prostate, headaches, neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee disability, including arthritis due to overuse and a bucket handle meniscus tear on the right knee. The decision is based on direct evidence of in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's knee flare-ups and their impact on his disability ratings.