Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating determinations related to his bilateral hearing loss, right knee limitation of motion, and left knee meniscal tear status post arthroscopic surgery. The claims are being returned for clarification of the private audiometric evaluation results, a new VA examination for hearing loss, and additional examinations for both knees.

The appeal to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee disability is granted. The underlying claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee disability is remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, right knee arthritis, degenerative arthritis and spondylosis of the lumbar spine, tension headaches, left knee condition, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The evidence did not establish a current disability or link to service.

Service connection is granted for recurrent back pain and spasms, a 10 percent rating is assigned for right middle finger disability, and the claim of service connection for left knee disability remains denied. The TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee medial meniscus and lateral ACL repair is rated at 10 percent, effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's GERD was granted service connection as it manifested during active duty. The cervical spine disability, left knee disability, and left foot hammertoe residuals are remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to an inadequate April 2016 VA right knee examination. The Veteran is required to provide information about any outstanding private treatment records and all identified health care providers are requested to forward copies of relevant medical documentation.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral knee condition, bilateral ankle condition, and sleep disorder due to insufficient examination reports.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee condition, right knee condition, and residuals of a head injury as there is no current diagnosis or evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA examiner to determine if the Veteran's right knee disability was aggravated by service. The current rating and effective date remain unchanged.

The Board denied service connection for left hand, right hand, left leg (other than knee) and foot disabilities, claimed as cramping, due to lack of evidence showing current diagnoses or a link between the conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining treatment records from Vet Centers and SSA examination reports. The issues of higher staged initial ratings for PTSD and TDIU prior to February 10, 2014 are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has remanded the claims for a left knee medial meniscus tear, right knee disability (secondary to left knee), and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (claimed as depressive disorder NOS) due to insufficient evidence. A VA examination is required for each issue.

The Veteran's arthritis, left shoulder disability, and other joint disabilities are not service-connected as they did not manifest during or within one year after service.,Service connection for a left shoulder disability was denied because the Veteran did not have a chronic condition in service or within the applicable presumptive period.

The Board has denied a compensable evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected right knee scar and remanded his claims for evaluations in excess of 10 percent for right knee limitation of flexion, left knee limitation of flexion, and right knee instability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was reopened and granted. The effective date of the award is December 16, 2011. Service connection for right knee gouty arthritis was not addressed as it had already been denied in 1982.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's knee and hip conditions and his service-connected right knee condition. The issues include left knee, right hip, and left hip conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and outstanding medical treatment records. The Veteran's periods of National Guard duty need to be clarified, and relevant personnel and treatment records should be obtained.

The appeal on the issue of entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss is dismissed. The application to reopen the claim for service connection for left lower extremity arthritis and left knee disorder, as well as left lower extremity nerve/neuropathy damage, is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for further examination. The ratings for left and right knee disabilities are being reviewed.