Knee Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot, ankle, knee, wrist, leg venous insufficiency, and sleep apnea disorders. The issues have been remanded for these purposes.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, prostate cancer, a chronic left wrist disorder, a chronic left knee disorder, and a chronic lower extremity disorder as there was no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after the Veteran's active service.

The Board has remanded four issues: service connection for lower back disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD). Additional evidence is needed to determine the cause of the Veteran's mental disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including an upper-GI disorder, a left shoulder disorder, a right hand disorder, a low back disorder, and bilateral knee disorders. The Veteran's claims are based on direct service connection rather than any presumption or secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, as well as a right knee disability, were denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The Board found that the submitted evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee instability and degenerative arthritis due to a lack of recent medical evidence and the need for an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected shoulder and knee conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than what was already granted.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all four issues (bilateral foot, left knee, bilateral arm, and bilateral calf conditions) has been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the issue regarding the bilateral foot condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for right knee instability and arthritis due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to reassess the severity of his disabilities, including testing without a brace and with weight-bearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance, as his need for assistance stems primarily from his non-service-connected cyclical vomiting syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obesity is denied as a matter of law. The Board also remanded several other claims related to the Veteran's right knee, gastrointestinal condition, psychiatric disorder, low back condition, radiculopathy, chronic sinusitis, and headaches.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including respiratory and sleep disorders, left shoulder disorder, neck spasms and radiculopathy, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and heat edema of the right lower extremity. The remand includes obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling a DRO hearing, and requesting expert opinions on the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal on the issues of left and right knee disorders, and for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disorder is related to his military service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied, but her right knee disability is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for respiratory condition, right knee condition, and left knee condition due to incomplete medical records and inadequate previous opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss disability, erectile dysfunction, a sleep disorder (RLS), and a headache disorder (migraines) are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an evaluation higher than 10 percent for patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee is being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for a scar of the left knee is being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an evaluation higher than 10 percent prior to May 29, 2018 and higher than 40 percent from that date for low back strain is being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a separate evaluation for bilateral sciatic radicular pain is being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development, including examinations to assess the nature and etiology of his claimed left ankle and bilateral flat foot disorders. The issue of whether a TDIU is warranted is also referred to VA’s Director of Compensation Service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current left knee disability is related to his in-service injury. The claim will be further evaluated with a VA examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability. However, due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of these disabilities, the claims are being remanded for further development.