Knee Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disabilities of the right hip, right leg, right foot, left hip, and right knee did not result from service. The acquired psychiatric disorder is also not related to service.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left and right knees, finding that there was no evidence linking the current diagnoses to service.

The Veteran's bilateral knee braces do not cause wear and tear to his clothing, so he is denied a clothing allowance for the 2014 calendar year.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are granted as service-connected.,Service connection is also granted for left hand surface lump, carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands, and primary vitiligo. However, the issues of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome right hand and left hand, and degenerative arthritis left knee remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee tendonitis disability is related to his active duty service and grants this claim.

The Board has expanded the issue to include whether a change in the Veteran's vocational rehabilitation employment goal from marriage & family therapist or related occupation to that of a college professor is warranted. The case will be remanded for an additional functional capacity evaluation and review of the evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent for his right and left knee disabilities, finding that there is no evidence of ankylosis or instability warranting higher evaluations.

The Veteran's low back condition is related to in-service back trauma and has been granted service connection.,The Veteran's neck, sleep apnea, arthritis of upper extremities, gastrointestinal condition (hiatal hernia and acid reflux), left knee, right knee, left ankle, hypertension, and skin condition have not yet been determined due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, neurological disabilities of bilateral upper extremities, left hip disability, bilateral knee disability, and left foot disability as there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's right hip condition, left knee osteoarthritis, and right knee osteoarthritis were all denied increased ratings. The fractured right ankle with ankylosis and degenerative joint disease was also denied.,The Veteran’s service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right ankle sprain, lumbar strain, left knee degenerative joint disease, and left hamstring strain. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for a left ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea, back disorder, GERD, hypertension, right knee disability, and pes planus. The appeals are pending as new evidence has been submitted that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his psychiatric disorder and respiratory conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's disabilities, including low back disability, lateral collateral ligament strain of the left knee, erectile dysfunction, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and psychiatric disability, are being remanded for further evaluation due to a lack of recent VA treatment records and possible private care.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for post-operative residuals of the right knee and TDIU due to missing VA treatment records. The Veteran must provide updated VA treatment records from April 2012 to November 2016, as well as any records since January 2018. Additionally, a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his service-connected right knee disability. The TDIU claim has also been raised and needs further development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence, and a new VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and updated medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for the right knee disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee patellofemoral syndrome, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not a continuation of the condition diagnosed in service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral knee disabilities. The appeal regarding his low back disability is dismissed as he withdrew it prior to a decision.