Knee Board decisions

The Board has denied service connection for arthritis, gout, and an eye disorder. The remaining issues of hypertension, gastrointestinal disorder (diagnosed colitis), erectile dysfunction, and kidney disorder are remanded.,Service connection is not granted for the Veteran's diagnosed conditions as they do not meet the criteria set forth in the applicable laws and regulations.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for various joint disabilities. The case is being returned to the RO for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including a dislocated meniscus with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion, is rated at 20 percent effective July 24, 2020. A separate 10 percent rating for slight lateral instability of the right knee remains in effect.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing records and inadequate rationale in previous VA examinations. The cases are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease and right knee degenerative arthritis have not met the criteria for an increased evaluation beyond 10 percent since October 31, 2011.,From October 31, 2011 to November 2, 2015 and from January 1, 2016, the Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis has not met the criteria for an increased evaluation beyond 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between his claimed conditions and active service, including exposure to herbicides or parachute jumps. The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions had their onset in service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left knee disabilities, including arthritis and instability, were denied. A separate rating of 10 percent was granted for removal of symptomatic semilunar cartilage.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeals for service connection for headaches and an increased rating for hearing loss, as well as his claims for bilateral hip and knee disabilities. The AOJ is directed to complete further development including obtaining updated VA treatment records, requesting private care providers to provide evidence, scheduling a VA examination, and readjudicating the claims.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent for limitation of extension, effective September 10, 2007.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for an addendum opinion. The issues include rating his right knee disability, left knee disability with degenerative arthritis, and tendon damage of the left knee.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for a right hip disability, which is related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to insufficient medical opinions and need for updated VA treatment records.

The Board has ordered a remand to determine if the Veteran's current right knee disability is related to an in-service injury or disease, and whether it is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and right shoulder disorders have been reopened, but the Board has not yet decided whether these conditions are related to service.,The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than April 27, 2017 for PTSD with depressive disorder, TBI, and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of a claim prior to that date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left eye disability, sleep apnea, gout, hypertension, and right knee disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected status post left knee patellofemoral arthroplasty is granted a 60 percent rating through December 4, 2014. A 30 percent rating continues from December 5, 2014 to the day prior to his October 2018 hearing.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to conflicting evidence of the Veteran's employment throughout the appeal period and the need for a VA Form 21-8940, Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability. The AOJ should refer his claim for a TDIU issue to the Director of Compensation Services for extraschedular consideration.

The Board dismissed all appeals related to the Veteran's claims, including those for PTSD, right knee condition, bilateral shin splints, and headaches.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right leg/knee disorder. The examiner was asked to consider the Veteran's lay statements and symptomatology, but did not do so in rendering a negative opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities are evaluated at 10 percent each, based on limitation of motion. The Board found the evidence against a higher rating.,The AOJ is instructed to attempt verification of the Veteran’s stressors related to his claimed PTSD, including aiding in the preparation of a temporary morgue at Dover Air Force Base and working with human remains.