Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues and the need for further development regarding a claim of service connection for substance dependence, claimed as secondary to the service-connected herniated disc, T6-7. The temporary total evaluation issue is also on hold until this development is completed.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's statements about his functional impairment from service-connected disabilities and the disability picture reflected in VA outpatient and examination reports. The Veteran requires assistance with daily living activities, including taking a bath in a tub, dressing himself except for putting on necessary compression hose, attending to the wants of nature (to ensure he is properly cleaned), and getting up from bed due to his left knee collapse.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis likely began during service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied reopening the claim for service connection of a left knee disability and granted service connection for PTSD. The right knee issue is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examinations and requests for records from St. Mary’s Medical Center.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for her bilateral knee disabilities was denied. She is currently rated at 20 percent for each knee, with separate 20 percent ratings for moderate instability in both knees.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to October 13, 2016.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the left knee disability and the total unemployability issue.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a traumatic brain injury and left knee disability have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or direct service connection. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a TBI during service, and his left knee disability is not shown to be related to his right knee condition.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a left knee disorder due to new and material evidence. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder) is denied as there is no clear and convincing evidence linking it to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip, right knee, and left femoral radicular pain and weakness of left leg disabilities as secondary to her service-connected lumbar spine disability due to inadequate examinations and lack of medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for pancreatitis, obstructive sleep apnea, and high cholesterol were denied. The claim for service connection for a left knee disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support reopening of the original claim for service connection for pancreatitis. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was reopened based on new evidence showing it began during active duty service in Iraq. Service connection is granted for this condition. The Veteran's current left knee disability and high cholesterol are denied as they do not meet the criteria for VA compensation benefits.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board also remands the issues regarding right knee strain, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with left patella chip fracture, thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease with arthritis, and headaches.

The Veteran's current benign prostate hypertrophy, hypertension, and other conditions are not service-connected as they did not have their onset in active military service or for many years thereafter, nor is it shown to be related to such service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss is not attributable to service and denied his claim for service connection. The RO remanded the claims for increased initial ratings for right-knee and left-knee conditions due to insufficient evidence in the January 2014 VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right leg below knee amputation with peripheral vascular disease was granted effective June 21, 1994. The Board found that the earliest date of receipt of a claim for this condition was June 1994.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current right knee disability is related to his service, specifically jumping and trauma during airborne jumps.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an updated VA examination and medical opinion regarding the appellant's mental state during service, as well as his insanity claim due to the January 1974 gunshot wound.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back and bilateral knee disabilities due to incomplete service treatment records. The appellant is advised to submit any missing records.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's left knee disability may be related to his in-service injury, but requires additional medical examination and opinion to clarify this relationship.