Knee Board decisions

The claims for service connection of hearing loss disability, tinnitus, left knee disability and right knee disability are granted. The claims for service connection of hearing loss disability, tinnitus, left knee disability and right knee disability are remanded due to the need for further medical examination.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is rated at 10 percent prior to January 3, 2017.,The Veteran's anxiety disorder, NOS, alcohol dependence, traumatic brain injury, is rated at 10 percent prior to April 15, 2013.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability and right knee disability are now granted as service-connected.,Tinnitus is also granted as service-connected, but the headaches and bronchitis issues remain pending.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for left and right knee conditions, as well as lung condition including shortness of breath were granted. The claim for sleep apnea was denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his lumbar spine condition and TDIU status has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for the lumbar spine disability, as it did not meet the criteria for an increased rating. For TDIU, the Board noted that the combined effect of multiple service-connected disabilities prevented the Veteran from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for further examination and evaluation due to incomplete testing in previous examinations.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of service connection for a left knee disorder was granted. Service connection for this condition is also granted.,Service connection for a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder is denied, and a compensable rating for tinea corporis of the groin region is also denied.

The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete records and a need for an expert opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the right knee disorders. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent rating for right knee flexion and instability, but denied a higher rating for limitation of extension. The Veteran's pain and functional impairment are considered in determining the appropriate disability ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee and low back disabilities, but denied service connection for a cervical spine disability. The Veteran's left knee condition is related to his military service, while the low back condition is also linked to service. However, there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of a cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 0 percent and the RO needs to clarify when or if a compensable evaluation has been assigned.,The Veteran contends he should have received a higher rating for his right knee disability, which requires further examination and clarification of his current symptoms.,The Veteran also seeks an earlier effective date for his left knee disability, which is contingent on the RO clarifying his current right knee disability ratings.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and right ankle disability have been granted initial ratings of 10% each, with the left knee flexion limitation being the only issue that warranted a higher rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of left-foot burn scar, residuals of left-hand burn scar, and left knee tendonitis. The Veteran's tinnitus and migraine headaches were also not found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip, ankle, and knee disorders due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between her in-service treatment and current conditions.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at the highest schedular rating (30%) for instability, but a separate 10% rating is granted for arthritis with painful and limited range of motion.,The Veteran's left lower leg disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right knee disability and Parkinson’s disease due to new evidence indicating worsening of his conditions. For the right knee, a VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the condition, including any recent meniscal tear. For Parkinson’s disease, a VA opinion is required to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is related to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's knee instability is found to be moderate, warranting a 20% disability rating from January 15, 2008 to April 14, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, right knee disability to include arthritis, left ankle strain, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism are remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for cervical spine, right hip, and right knee conditions due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's hypertension, high cholesterol, GERD, headaches, LLE peripheral neuropathy, and RLE peripheral neuropathy are denied as there is no competent indication of a relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for asthma, bilateral hearing loss, and knee disabilities due to missing VA examinations. The Veteran was out of the country and scheduled for back surgery which caused him to miss the examinations.