Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which was granted for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his left knee disability prior to October 18, 2016 is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his right knee instability prior to September 25, 2018 is remanded.

The Veteran's right knee strain and lumbar degenerative joint disease have been rated as noncompensable. The Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the current severity of these disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development on several issues, including service connection and rating determinations. The case will be returned to the Board after completion of this development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the knees, hands, and elbows has been reopened. The Board finds that new evidence raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claim. His back disability is presumed to be related to service due to herbicide exposure. However, the rating reduction for peripheral neuropathy was not proper as it did not follow procedural requirements.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for various service-connected disabilities due to incomplete medical records and the need for updated VA examinations.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and clarification, including service connection claims for various conditions and an increased rating claim for cervical spine strain.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection of his left ankle and bilateral knee disabilities due to outstanding medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders due to additional evidence being added to his case file. The VA examiner did not address the June 2014 diagnosis of arthritis in the knees, nor considered the Veteran's arguments regarding in-service injuries. A new examination is needed.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been granted. The Board found that the evidence is at least in equipoise and resolved all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, finding a current diagnosis related to an in-service stressor. Other service connection claims are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's increased rating claims for his right knee disability due to lack of substantial compliance with a prior remand order. The case is being returned for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an appropriate VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities due to conflicting medical opinions and a need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and further development is needed before a final decision can be made on the Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her service-connected right leg non-traumatic exertional compartment syndrome with right knee meniscus tear.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and compensable rating are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete actions regarding whether the Veteran's right knee disability is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral recurrent tinnitus, and right knee osteoarthritis (OA).,There was no evidence of chronic conditions in service or within the applicable presumptive period. The VA audiologist opined that the Veteran’s hearing loss and tinnitus were less likely as not caused by or a result of in-service noise exposure.

The Board is remanding the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and initial ratings due to procedural issues, including a failure to issue an SOC on these matters. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it relates back to the original claims.

The Board denied service connection for back, right hip, left knee, and left ankle conditions due to lack of evidence of a diagnosed condition prior to 1993.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent prior to September 12, 2016 and denied for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 30 percent and denied for a higher rating.,The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent and denied for a higher rating. The limitation of flexion associated with the left knee strain is also denied.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, a right knee disability, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right and left upper extremities, and traumatic brain injury. The issues are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.