Knee Board decisions

The Board has found that additional development is needed before the claims of service connection for residuals of a head injury and left knee disorder can be adjudicated. The Veteran reported in-service injuries, but VA examinations are required to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for all issues on appeal due to the Veteran's testimony and submitted evidence. The claims are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied service connection for left ankle and left knee disabilities, as well as an increased rating for TBI residuals. The low back disability was remanded, and the TDIU issue is still pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, treatment records review, and consideration of all evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need of aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Veteran's left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disorders are granted service connection as they were incurred during active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty for training (INADUTRA).,The Veteran's back disorder is also granted service connection as it was incurred during ACDUTRA or INADUTRA.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder, status post right lumbar surgery with post voiding leakage, and other service-connected conditions are all denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating for any of these disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for his service-connected right knee disability is remanded due to the possibility of change in his condition since the last VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the appeal is, therefore, REMANDED as directed below. The Veteran must provide any further medical evidence not currently in VA's possession regarding her alleged service-connected disabilities. The case should be handled expeditiously.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances for his knee braces in 2013 were denied because the frequency of use of the left and right knee braces was not established, and the right knee disability is not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities due to insufficient examination findings, conflicting evidence, and potential exposure in Southwest Asia. A new examination is required.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and an increased rating for right knee injury with ligament tear were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct or secondary service connection for sleep apnea, and determined that the current rating assigned for right knee injury was appropriate.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities due to an error in the September 2017 decision and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates prior to February 27, 2013, for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities are denied.,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates prior to February 27, 2013, for right knee disability are denied.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss.,Service connection is granted for left knee disability.,COPD service connection and psychiatric disorder service connection are remanded for further development.,Right knee, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disabilities' increased ratings are remanded for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants a TDIU based on this.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service. The right little finger fracture and arthritis of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint right forefoot were not granted increased ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip, left hip, right knee, and left knee disabilities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability.,Service connection was also denied for a liver disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to January 7, 2014, on an extraschedular basis. The evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for right knee strain and denied the claim as there is no evidence showing a link between the current condition and service.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including kidney disorder, arthritis, low back disorder, hip disorders, knee disorders, and eye disorders, as the evidence did not support a finding of current disability related to service or otherwise related to service-connected conditions.