Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the assignment of increased disability ratings would violate the 'amputation rule' and other criteria. The lumbar spine disability was not manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, nor did it result in favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, ADHD, DVT, and early stasis dermatitis as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. The issues of rating higher than 10 percent for the service-connected right ankle disability, entitlement to TDIU, and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound are also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (lumbar spine arthritis, bilateral knee arthritis, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy) result in permanent loss of use of both feet. The Board grants the Veteran's claims for automobile and adaptive equipment, specially adapted housing, and SMC.

The Veteran's request to reopen her claim of service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board also grants service connection for PTSD, finding that the evidence shows a current disability and relates it to in-service motor vehicle accidents. Service connection for back disability, right knee disability, cervical spine disability, and thoracolumbar spine disability are remanded due to lack of medical nexus opinions.

The Board has remanded five claims: four for service connection and one for psychiatric disorders. The AOJ is directed to obtain SSA records related to the Veteran's disability benefits applications.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left knee DJD, as well as service connection for diabetes mellitus were denied. The decision also noted that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam or elsewhere warranting presumptive exposure to an herbicide agent (including Agent Orange).

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 29, 2017 for a 10 percent rating for service-connected lumbar strain is granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis, left knee is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's right knee arthritis and his service-connected left knee arthritis and bilateral pes planus. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a new medical opinion addressing these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete VA examinations and a lack of proper notification regarding missed appointments. The case is being returned to obtain updated medical opinions and records.

The Board denied service connection for left, right knee disabilities and neck disability. The Veteran's current knee and back conditions were not shown as chronic in service or within a presumptive period, and continuity of symptomatology was not established.

The RO increased the ratings for several conditions and granted service connection, but denied the request to apply the bilateral factor. The Veteran's combined rating is now 90 percent.

The appeal is dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for PTSD, TBI, hypertension, laceration of the head, laceration of the mouth, blisters of the left foot, left eye disability, and left knee disability. The claim for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee condition, finding that there is no evidence linking his current disability to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative arthritis of the left and right hands, as well as his left and right knee disabilities are granted.,Service connection is also granted for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including her total knee replacement from December 1, 2011, is rated at 60 percent. The decision also grants a separate 20 percent rating for dislocation of the semilunar cartilage prior to October 20, 2010 and denies increased ratings for instability and flexion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current right knee disability and his in-service injury. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records, including service treatment records, and a VA examination is required to determine if there is a link between the in-service injury and the current condition.

The appeal for service connection of a bilateral hip disorder is dismissed. The appeals for secondary service connection of left knee, left ankle, and right foot disorders are denied.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the rating for chronic headaches and service connection for various ankle and knee disabilities. The Veteran's claims are being returned to the AOJ for further examination and opinion.