Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected major depression and chondromalacia, left knee was dismissed because the Veteran requested withdrawal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the Veteran's ability to perform work-like activities due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is currently rated for radiculopathy, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, and other conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate VA examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hip, knee, lumbar spine, lower extremity radiculopathy, and foot disorders. The VA examiner is requested to provide nexus opinions considering the Veteran's service duties as a combat medic and his reported in-service injuries.

The appeal is granted, and service connection for bilateral dry eye syndrome is restored. The Veteran's hearing loss in the right ear is not considered a disability for VA purposes, but he has established a current left ear hearing loss disability. Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee is granted with specific ratings based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment prior to April 7, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and major depressive disorder. The Veteran is also still seeking a rating in excess of 20 percent for her left knee condition.

The Board dismissed all claims of service connection due to the appellant's withdrawal of her appeals.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied as a matter of law due to his failure to report for VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder disability and a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain, finding that the preponderance of evidence does not support these claims.

The Veteran's accrued benefits are granted for the remaining unreimbursed amount of $3,643.50 due to his burial and funeral expenses.

The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome is granted as secondary to his service-connected fibromyalgia, while other claims for increased ratings and effective dates are denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee condition, hypertension, and a disability manifested by elevated cholesterol levels due to incomplete medical records and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected right hip disorder, degenerative arthritis of the right knee (prior to March 2, 2015), instability residuals of the left knee (prior to March 2, 2015), and scars were denied. The Board found no nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and left knee disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.,Secondary service connection was also established for right hip, left hip, and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral foot condition, presbyopia and astigmatism of the eyes, obstructive sleep apnea, left upper extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve radiculopathy, femoral nerve radiculopathy, surgical scars on knees, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, total right knee replacement, cervical strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, tinea corporis and onychomycosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, rectal fissures/hemorrhoids, malaria residuals, and service connection for TDIU have been granted. The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates were denied.

The Board has denied service connection for sinusitis, right hand strain, left hand strain, right knee strain, and left knee strain. The issue of service connection for asthma is remanded.

The Veteran's right knee conditions, including meniscus tear and chondromalacia patella, are rated at a separate 20 percent for residuals of the meniscectomy. The limitation of motion is rated at 10 percent, and instability is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and likely cause of any ankle and knee disabilities present during the appeal period, as well as whether these conditions are related to service. The case will be returned to the Board after compliance with appellate procedures.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons and bases for denying service connection for a left knee disorder. The Veteran's statements about marching with heavy loads during service are considered, but further examination is needed.

The Veteran's service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right knee was granted based on evidence showing it is at least as likely as not related to his service.