Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claim for bipolar disorder is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnosis of bipolar disorder had its onset during his active duty service and affirms the grant of service connection. Service connection for left and right knee disabilities are remanded due to lack of medical evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chondromalacia, patella of both knees due to insufficient examination findings. The Veteran must be provided with a new VA examination that includes range of motion in active and passive motions under Diagnostic Code 5260.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee, upper extremity radiculopathy, and osteoarthritis. The issues include a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee limitation of flexion prior to March 2, 2017, and from March 2, 2017; compensable ratings for right and left upper extremity radiculopathy; and compensable ratings for right and left upper extremity disabilities. The Veteran's service-connected conditions include scars, osteoarthritis of the knee, degenerative disc disease at C4-C5 and C5-C6 levels, and neuritis of the infrapatellar cutaneous nerve.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left knee is denied. A separate 10 percent evaluation for instability of the left knee is granted.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings are inextricably intertwined with his TDIU claim. Therefore, all issues have been remanded to obtain additional VA examinations and address any outstanding treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding a right knee disability, as there is no current evidence of such a condition. The Veteran's claims for left shoulder, low back, and bilateral hearing loss disabilities are denied.

The Board has remanded the severance of service connection for various conditions, including Lyme disease and related anemia, knee issues, and thyroid cancer. The appeal is inextricably intertwined with the severance of service connection for status post exposure to Lyme disease.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and a 10 percent evaluation for a painful hernia scar. The remaining issues of service connection have been remanded due to the Veteran not submitting current treatment records.

The Veteran's lumbar strain, right knee strain with chondrosis, and left knee strain have all been rated at 10 percent since June 4, 2011.,None of the conditions meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected alcohol abuse is granted, as it is aggravated by his service connected major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and chronic sleep impairment. The rating for major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and chronic sleep impairment is increased to 70 percent from August 12, 2013.

The Board has granted initial disability ratings of 10 percent for left knee flexion and extension, effective November 15, 2010.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disorders as secondary to his service-connected foot disabilities due to a lack of diagnosed disability in either knee, and no functional impairment of earning capacity.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial ratings are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that has not yet been considered by the AOJ.

The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings and increased ratings for various conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's right knee condition, including after his partial meniscectomy and total knee replacement, is rated at 20 percent from July 1, 2014 to February 10, 2016. From April 1, 2017, the Veteran has a minimum rating of 30 percent for his right knee condition following total knee replacement.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine, and right lower extremity radiculopathy, preclude all substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him. The Board grants entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder. The claims are now remanded for further development.,Further development is required to verify the Veteran’s periods of active duty, active duty for training, and inactive duty for training, as well as to obtain any outstanding private treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disorder, but denied service connection for tinnitus and back disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's service connection claims for missing VA treatment records and additional National Guard service records. The claims will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral foot condition due to insufficient evidence in some cases. The Veteran will need additional VA examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to his military service.