Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, bilateral tinnitus, right and left knee disabilities, and sleep condition (PTSD-related). The claim for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 18, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for bone cancer, throat disability, and left knee disability. The claims were evaluated based on direct evidence rather than presumptive exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his service-connected back, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The case will be remanded to allow for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of his bilateral foot disability, and denied his claims for service connection of his bilateral shoulder, hand and finger, neck, left elbow, and knee disabilities. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a sleep disturbance/insomnia.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected retropatellar pain syndrome of the left knee was denied as her disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and requests that the Veteran provide information about his treatment providers and outstanding VA medical records. The claims will be reconsidered based on all evidence of record.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and examination, including service connection claims for various conditions. The Veteran's hearing loss claim is pending due to incomplete records from his first period of service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and a left knee disability are remanded due to incomplete service records, unverified in-service stressor, and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for TBI, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of current disability related to service and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's right knee disability has resulted in chronic residuals such as severe weakness, which required the use of a cane or walker. The Board finds that entitlement to a higher 60 percent rating for status post total right knee replacement is warranted from August 25, 2010.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various joint disorders, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and DJD of multiple joints, as secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability. The VA is instructed to obtain updated treatment records from private physicians R. M. and R. R.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left knee DJD and symptomatic semilunar cartilage have been rated, but his flexion and extension limitations do not meet the criteria for higher ratings. A separate 10% rating has been granted for symptomatic semilunar cartilage as of December 7, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for limitation of flexion of the left knee, right knee instability, and right knee limitation of flexion due to possible worsening of symptoms and need for further examination.

The Board has upheld the severance of service connection for LLE radiculopathy and denied a higher initial disability rating. The claims for left foot, hip, ankle, and knee disabilities are remanded due to lack of complete medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disorders, including posttraumatic arthritis of the right ankle, left ankle, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee. As such, the Veteran's TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of etiological relationship between the current right knee, left hallux valgus, or left knee conditions and active service.

The Board has granted the appeals to reopen claims for service connection for PTSD and a left knee disability, but remanded both issues due to further development needed.