Knee Board decisions

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and psychiatric disability are denied. The claims for service connection for left knee and back disabilities are remanded due to incomplete examination.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for right shoulder condition, left knee condition, and right knee condition due to insufficient examination findings.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent for degenerative joint disease and a separate 20 percent rating for dislocated cartilage, with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion. The 20 percent rating for the dislocated cartilage was granted effective July 30, 2009.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection and rating for his knee, plantar fasciitis, low back condition, and ankle disorders due to inadequate examinations in prior VA evaluations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, as well as hallux valgus of both feet. The evidence did not show a nexus between any current knee or foot conditions and service.,There was no documentation of knee or foot issues during service, nor within one year after separation from service. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's current right and left knee disabilities are less likely than not related to her service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including anxiety disorder, back disorder, left knee disorder, and radiculopathies of the lower extremities, have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since January 31, 2013. Effective that date, he is granted a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining records from the U.S. Postal Service and arranging for an orthopedic examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examinations and incomplete records. The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and right knee bipartite patella was denied in the September 2014 rating decision due to lack of evidence of a chronic disability caused or aggravated by service. The appeal is currently pending.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and additional compensable ratings for his left quadriceps muscle injury, left knee scar, and parathyroid gland removal scars are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder claim is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion.,The low back and left knee conditions are remanded as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus, right knee patellar tendonitis, chondromalacia patella.,The prostate condition and erectile dysfunction claims are remanded due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,The Veteran's lung granuloma claim is remanded due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,The Veteran's prostate condition claim is also remanded due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various knee and foot disorders, as well as a headaches disorder. Additional evidence is needed to confirm the Veteran's date of entry into active duty and to obtain any missing service records. A VA examination will also be conducted.

The Board has determined that the appellant's left knee disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is not related to his military service, specifically his period of active duty training (ACDUTRA). The evidence does not support a finding that the DJD had its onset during ACDUTRA or was caused by any injury or disease incurred during this time. Therefore, the claim for service connection has been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, upper and lower back disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and tinnitus. The conditions are found to have begun during active service.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The claims for service connection for low back disorder, right hip disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, eczema of the right lower leg, and bilateral hand tremors were all granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran's cause of death, suicide, was related to his service-connected low back disability and other conditions. The VA examiner is requested to provide an opinion on this matter.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, depression, was granted. The claim for right eye macular hole with retinal detachment was denied. The claims for service connection for a right knee disability and left knee disability were remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disorder is not related to his service, and the claim for this condition is denied.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) preexisted service and was not aggravated during service. The claim for OSA is denied.,The Veteran's back disorder has been remanded for further examination and determination of its etiology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disorder, bilateral knee DJD, right hand disorder, and bilateral hip disorder as secondary to his service-connected DM Type II with ED.,The Board also denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a digestive disorder, including GERD, hiatal hernia, polyps, and IBS, as secondary to his service-connected DM Type II with ED.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of whether the Veteran is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities prior to November 26, 2018.