Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities were granted separate evaluations of 10 percent effective September 1, 1999.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his left and right knee disabilities, as well as for a thoracolumbar spine disability, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and proper notification of the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting personnel records regarding his ACDUTRA period. The RO is instructed to verify the Veteran’s assertion of full-time ACDUTRA during November 1992 to July 1993 at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cold injury residuals of the hands and feet, as well as increased ratings for her low back disability, right knee arthritis, right knee instability, left knee disability, and left knee instability are all denied. The Board found that there is no current evidence of a cold injury or its residuals in the Veteran's case.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and sleep apnea, as well as his initial rating for MDD, ratings for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee osteoarthritis, left knee instability, and degenerative disc disease of L5-S1 have all been denied. The Board found that new evidence did not establish a link between the Veteran's conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck disability, right ear hearing loss, right shoulder bicipital tendonitis (right shoulder disability), right ankle strain, left ankle strain, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS), left knee PFS, right elbow olecranon bursitis (right elbow disability), lumbar spine disability with Scheuermann's kyphosis (lumbar spine disability), right hip strain with limitation of extension and flexion, left hip strain with limitation of extension and flexion, bilateral pes planus, left ear hearing loss, and tension headaches. The claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and has denied an increased rating for type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy and erectile dysfunction. The left knee shrapnel wound scar is rated as noncompensable, while PTSD is rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's left knee disorder, including ruptured Baker's cyst, severe degenerative joint disease, effusion with aspirations, and thigh abscess/cellulitis, is considered an additional disability resulting from VA medical treatment in April-May 2013. The Board found that the risk of infection was not a reasonably foreseeable event.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus need further evaluation due to potential progression of symptoms since his last VA examination.

The Board has granted a separate, initial disability rating of 40 percent for left knee ankylosis from June 3, 2015. The evidence is at least in equipoise that the Veteran's left knee disability manifested as ankylosis in flexion between 10 degrees and 20 degrees.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include service connection for PTSD, acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, bilateral knee arthritis, GERD, and chest pain.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The reductions of the disability evaluations for instability of left knee and residuals, status post medial meniscus repair, left knee were granted.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral knee disability due to new and material evidence received since the September 2005 rating decision. The case is remanded for a VA examination.

The Board has decided that a new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's currently diagnosed knee disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to accrued benefits, including service connection and rating for various conditions. The appellant is being asked to provide additional information regarding private treatment records and a VA addendum opinion on the cause of death.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for an increased rating for his degenerative joint disease of the right knee.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his military service.,Multiple issues regarding hip, knee, and ankle disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his limited mobility, inability to perform daily activities independently, and the hazards inherent in his environment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to inadequate examinations, incomplete evidence, and inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran is required to provide medical records and undergo new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims and rating determinations due to pending matters regarding his character of discharge from active duty.