Knee Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left wrist, right wrist, bilateral knee, and heart disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,The appeal is currently pending as one issue remains unresolved: service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression).

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and therefore no jurisdiction remains for the service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to inadequate development in previous examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee conditions due to inadequate examination reports and further development is required.

The Veteran's service-connected above the knee amputation of the left leg requires regular aid and attendance for activities such as preparing meals, bathing, and attending to hygiene needs. The Board has granted SMC based on this need.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disorders, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The Board also found that any current knee disorders were not shown within one year of separation from service.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for hypertension, increased ratings for left and right knee chondromalacia, and a low back disability. The Veteran's claim of service connection for erectile dysfunction was granted in a separate decision.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including a meniscal tear and osteoarthritis, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to lack of limitation in flexion or extension.

The Veteran's appeal is generally limited to a direct review of the evidence considered by the AOJ. The Board finds that remand is required for the psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and knee claims due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran is rendered unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of service-connected disabilities from April 12, 2010 to January 15, 2019. However, for the period prior to April 12, 2010, the Veteran does not meet the combined disability rating percentage criteria for a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a). The case is remanded for referral to VA’s Director of Compensation for consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a current right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and therefore service connection is denied. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an increased rating for PTSD was granted. However, the appeals for service connection of bilateral knee condition, left foot condition, and low back condition were denied due to untimely notice of disagreement.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, amputation of the left big toe, and amputation of the right leg below the knee. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not presumed to be related to his military service due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents.,Service connection for the lower extremity disabilities (left big toe and right leg) could not be granted as they were found to be secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 10% prior to September 8, 2013 and at 30% from that date. The knee disabilities are each rated at 10%. These ratings have been denied.,For the period on appeal, the Veteran’s cervical spine disability was rated at 30%, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5242. Ratings in excess of this were not granted as there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities are related to his military service or an in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for low back and left knee disorders due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran's conditions are being reviewed again with new medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain a new VA examination. The Veteran is seeking service connection for right knee and left foot disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, including as secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus with neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The case is being returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease limits flexion to at worst 70 degrees, warranting a 10 percent rating.,Service connection for the low back disability and sinus disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence in some cases.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent for instability, effective July 1, 2018. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran’s instability warrants a higher rating.