Knee Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral hip disability and a left knee disability, both claimed as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability.,There is no evidence of a current bilateral hip or left knee disability related to service. The VA opinions found that any diagnosed conditions are not due to military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a left knee condition, sleep apnea, hypertension, acid reflux, erectile dysfunction, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including posttraumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and nightmare disorder).,The Court vacated the Board's decision on the increased rating for cervical spine disability and left ankle disability. The issues of service connection are inextricably intertwined with PTSD.,The Court also remanded the claim for hypertension and acid reflux due to their relationship with PTSD. Additional development is needed regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).,The Veteran's representative noted that he was taking issue with VA examinations provided in January 2012 and June 2015, which would encompass the rating period for the 30 percent rating.,The Court also remanded the claim for an increased rating higher than 30 percent for cervical spine disability effective from January 2, 2014. The Veteran's representative noted that he was taking issue with VA examinations provided in January 2012 and June 2015, which would encompass the rating period for the 30 percent rating.,The Court also remanded the claim for an increased rating higher than 10 percent for left ankle disability. The Veteran's representative noted that he was taking issue with VA examinations provided in January 2012 and June 2015, which would encompass the rating period for the 30 percent rating.

The Board has denied all service connection claims except for the reopening of a claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a right knee disability was granted. The effective date is set to September 11, 2014.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee and hand disabilities due to incomplete medical records. The VA is instructed to obtain all relevant STRs, update clinical records of any treatment received since discharge, and arrange for examinations by orthopedists, neurologists/physiatrists/surgeons, and dermatologists.

The Board denied service connection for right knee disability, bilateral heel spurs, and mitral valve prolapse due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for neck, back, right knee, right foot, and left foot disabilities due to insufficient rationale in the VA examinations and the need for updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various foot, knee, back, and hand disabilities due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for restoration of ratings for left hip bursitis and limitation of extension of the left thigh, both associated with his total right knee replacement, have been granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability secondary to his service-connected left knee disability is granted with an effective date of October 23, 2013. The Board found that the Veteran had current right knee disability since the beginning of his claim and supports his assertion for an earlier effective date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hypertension, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, left thumb disability, and left knee disability are remanded due to lack of recent VA examination records.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DJD with L5 spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, and IVDS is rated at 20 percent.,The Veteran's right knee scar is not compensable.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for a heart condition and remanded the claim for service connection for a left knee injury. The heart condition claim is granted, but the left knee injury claim remains denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for a right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, seizure disorder, and depression due to incomplete records. The Veteran is advised to obtain new representation if desired.

The Board has remanded the cases due to outstanding military records and inadequate VA examination for neck disability. The claims for service connection are not decided yet.

The Veteran's TBI and bilateral snowflake degeneration claims are remanded for further development. The left knee and right foot disability ratings are also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been remanded due to the need for further development.,Service connection has been granted for limitation of flexion of the right knee, but an earlier effective date is denied.

The Board denied service connection for TBI, left knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, bilateral shoulder disability, lumbar spine disability, bilateral eye disability, and bilateral foot disability. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing a nexus between the disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance is denied because his vision loss, which requires regular assistance from a caregiver, is not related to any service-connected disability. The Board found that the Veteran's functional restrictions are due to his non-service connected blindness.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was denied. His claims for increased evaluations of his DJD knees and initial compensable evaluations for limitation of extension motion in both knees were also denied. The TDIU issue is remanded.