Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for VR&E benefits, including education to obtain a J.D., is remanded due to incomplete records and need for further evaluation. The AOJ must ensure all relevant records are obtained and associated with the claims file, request private treatment records, allow the Veteran to submit evidence of her employment attempts and needs for a J.D., and arrange for a vocational rehabilitation evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder condition is granted, as new evidence has been submitted that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine condition is denied, as no new and material evidence was received since the final denial of the claim.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee DJD, GERD, and hypertension is being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to assess current severity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found that Gilbert's syndrome, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, gout of the bilateral ankles, feet, and toes, arthritis of the lumbar spine with strain, plantar fasciitis with mild degenerative joint disease (left foot), plantar fasciitis with mild degenerative joint disease (right foot), allergic rhinitis, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease with diverticulitis, and sebaceous cyst were not service connected or warranted increased ratings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of left knee injury is remanded due to insufficient evidence and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, left knee, right knee, and left ankle conditions due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate development of evidence, including scheduling of VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, hypertension, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's knee disorder is not considered to have been incurred in or aggravated by active duty service or reserve training.,Service connection was also denied for hypertension, as the evidence does not support its onset during active duty service or reserve training. The Board found that the Veteran’s current diagnosis of hypertension is more likely related to his age and weight rather than any military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and acquired psychiatric disorders, as well as his claim for a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss. The back and left knee disorder issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only, as they do not result in physical loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete range of motion measurements for active and passive motions in both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing circumstances. The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities need further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right leg and left knee disabilities, but remanded the issue of an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for right impingement syndrome.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability is granted as service connection due to the preponderance of evidence showing it was incurred during his military service.,Service connection for a skin condition (noted as persistent rash) is denied because there is no current diagnosis and no evidence linking it to service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee arthritis, status post total knee replacements should be remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the remaining issues due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's current diagnoses are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, is related to his military service. The knee disability and low back pain are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of multiple conditions, including athletes foot, costochondritis, gastrointestinal disorders, left leg scars, bilateral knee, thoracolumbar spine, and right wrist disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee sprain and right knee medial meniscus tear, finding that the Veteran's complaints of knee pain during service are credible and supported by lay evidence.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals on all issues related to service connection for various conditions, including overall total body pain, bilateral knee condition, bilateral shoulder condition, back tumor, arm nerve damage, leg nerve damage, feet nerve damage, and low back condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent each for right and left knee degenerative joint disease due to technical issues with the April 2015 VA examination, and for obtaining additional medical records.