Knee Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for a right knee disability and low testosterone and infertility due to the cancellation of scheduled VA examinations. Further examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

Service connection is granted for bilateral knee arthritis, low back disorder, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, cervical spine degenerative disc and joint disease, cervical radiculopathy (right upper and left upper extremities), acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder), and erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected right knee disabilities.,Service connection is granted for osteoporosis, deviated nasal septum, rhinitis, traumatic brain injury (TBI), left lower extremity patellar dysfunction, right tibia-fibula fracture residuals, right foot pes cavus deformity, right iliac crest, right lateral lower knee, and right medial knee scar, total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability (TDIU), and service connection is remanded for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a left knee condition and increased ratings for right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including a right arm, back, left knee, and right knee condition. The Veteran's claims were based on direct evidence rather than presumptive exposure or other theories.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation at the higher rate. He also qualifies for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to his significant service-connected disability affecting both lower extremities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left leg disabilities, including knee disabilities. The Veteran underwent VA examinations but further examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed knee disabilities.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for DJD of the left knee and lumbar spondylosis with facet arthropathy, finding that the earliest possible dates were November 29, 2003 (for lumbar spondylosis) and July 18, 2005 (for DJD).

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating increases due to the need for further development of medical records, including those from health care providers who have treated the appellant's varicose veins. The examiner is requested to determine whether the appellant’s bilateral hip replacements are proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete procedures and will address all issues once a Statement of the Case is issued.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include increased disability ratings for left and right knee disabilities, a right shoulder disability, and right shoulder scarring.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following gainful employment, as he can perform sedentary level work despite his knee pain and psychiatric symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and needs a new VA examination for the Veteran's knee disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service records and a need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's left knee disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for cervical spine, right knee, and lumbar strain disabilities were denied. The cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to October 28, 2016 and at 20 percent thereafter. The right knee disability received a 10 percent rating from September 3, 2014 to October 28, 2016 and the lumbar strain disability was rated at 10 percent as of October 28, 2016.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, low back, and right knee disabilities due to new evidence showing possible in-service onset of symptoms.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss disability as it meets the definition of a present disability under VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD warranted a TDIU rating, and his other service-connected disabilities combined to more than 60 percent. The Board found clear and unmistakable error in the December 2010 rating decision that failed to award SMC at the (s) rate due to CUE.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to missing records, need for new examinations, and the need for VA examinations and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran's claims regarding his knee disabilities and major depressive disorder due to inadequate examinations and incomplete evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder is related to his active military service and granted service connection for it.