Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including left foot hallux rigidus, hypertension, a left knee disability, residuals of an aneurysm and TBI, scars, degenerative joint disease of the right first metatarsal phalangeal joint status post total joint replacement with a metal prosthesis (claimed as right foot degenerative disease), and lumbar disc degeneration. The remand is due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to new evidence being added to his case file.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome disability rating was reduced to noncompensable, but the reduction is void ab initio due to inadequate examination. The prior 40 percent disability rating for left knee patellofemoral syndrome has been restored.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development of her medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to dress, undress himself, keep himself clean, adjust prosthetic appliances, feed himself, attend to the wants of nature, or protect from hazards. The Board granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, high cholesterol, chronic conjunctivitis, and psychiatric disabilities were denied. The Veteran was granted increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability, painful limited motion of the right knee, instability of the right knee, plantar fasciitis of the right foot, and plantar fasciitis of the left foot before specific dates. Other claims for service connection or increased ratings were remanded.

The Veteran's initial 100 percent rating for mood disorder is granted, and the effective date of September 15, 2010 for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38 of the United States Code is also granted. The increased rating for left knee disability, right hip disability, and left hip disability claims are remanded.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are not service-connected as they did not manifest during active duty or within one year of separation. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current chronic headache disability, and his right and left knee disabilities are not related to in-service injuries.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with current cervical, lumbar, and bilateral knee disabilities. However, these conditions were not shown during service or within one year of separation. The Board also found that the Veteran does not have a chronic headache disability.

The Veteran's claims for left and right ankle disorders, as well as lumbar and right knee osteoarthritis, have been denied. The Board found no current diagnoses of these conditions.,For the period prior to September 8, 2017, the Veteran’s lumbar osteoarthritis was not shown to meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board has found that the Veteran's post-service treatment records are not available and have ordered additional efforts to locate them. The claims for service connection, new and material evidence to reopen, and initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss are all remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is denied. The evidence does not indicate that he was in need of such assistance prior to May 18, 2017.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral elbow disability, COPD, and emphysema. The effective dates for granting service connection for left knee and left ankle disabilities were not granted earlier than May 3, 2016. The rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of his claims. The left knee DJD case will be reconsidered after obtaining new evidence and clarifying the nature of his pre-operative diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for back strain, left knee condition, and right knee condition due to insufficient evidence. Additional efforts are required to obtain her complete STRs and SPRs, verify her duty status during relevant periods, and secure updated VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's DJD of the right knee is found to be related to his active service, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions were denied, with the effective date being October 11, 2013.

The Veteran's current bilateral knee disability is not related to his in-service injuries, and the Board denied service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion on the etiology of the left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the claim due to inadequate examination and duty-to-assist issues, requiring a new VA examination.