Knee Board decisions

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

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical opinions and a need for further examination. The Veteran's left knee condition is being reviewed again to determine its relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation to determine if they meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 18, 2011 for the assignment of a 20% initial disability rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's cervical spine and right knee patellofemoral syndrome increased ratings are remanded.

The Veteran's initial 10% rating for osteoarthritis of the left knee prior to October 1, 2012 is granted. An initial 60% rating for total right knee replacement is granted. The issue of an initial compensable rating for hearing loss is dismissed. A TDIU from March 2, 2011 is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches has been denied as new and material evidence was not received.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hearing loss disability in either ear.,Service connection for OSA is denied as it did not manifest during service or be related to his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's left hip, right hip, left knee, and right knee disabilities are remanded due to lack of an opinion regarding their relationship to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's left knee disorder, including his total knee arthroplasty, is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to service or secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for left and right knee chondromalacia as the evidence did not show flexion or extension limited to less than 45 degrees or 15 degrees respectively, which would warrant higher ratings.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including his prior excision of a benign chondroblastoma in April 1963 and subsequent degenerative joint disease, is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cut neck, finding that there is no current disability related to an in-service injury. The left knee scar was not found to be painful or unstable and did not result in any functional impairment. The adjustment disorder with depressed mood and substance abuse was rated at 70 percent disabling but the Board determined it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to total social impairment.,The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood and substance abuse is currently rated as 70 percent disabling, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 9440. The Board found that while the Veteran exhibits social isolation and irritability, he maintains supportive relationships with his family.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation and testing to determine the current severity of her conditions.

The Board denied service connection for aching joints and remanded the issue of service connection for sinus disorder.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of throat surgery due to lack of current disability. The claims for lumbar spine, right leg, left knee, and right knee disabilities are remanded as new medical opinions are needed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and a back disorder as secondary to his service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease with patellofemoral syndrome are granted. The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for right knee disorder and TDIU have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.,Tinnitus has been granted service connection, with a current rating of 'Granted'.,Respiratory Disorder (COPD) was denied due to lack of evidence showing onset during service or relationship to service.,Sleep Disorder (other than Sleep Apnea) was denied as the Veteran's sleep impairment is linked to his PTSD.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of an armpit rash and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome due to his withdrawal of these claims prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right knee disability are rated at 50% each, resulting in a combined rating of 100%. The Board has granted TDIU based on the severity of these disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of evidence linking the claimed conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding the appellant's claimed left hip and left knee disabilities, as well as his right knee disability. The examiner is asked to determine if these conditions are related to service or any other condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, finding that the most probative evidence was against the claim.