Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions that his knee, heart, right shoulder, or left shoulder conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to in-service injuries.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee conditions, as well as TDIU, need further development. Specifically, all VA treatment records must be obtained, including a letter from Dr. G.G., a vocational evaluation by D.M., PhD., and another VA examination is needed to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the right knee disorder is secondary to the service-connected left knee disability and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's request for an increased rating for his post-operative left knee strain with scars condition is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and requires an addendum opinion to address the Veteran's complaints of left knee pain since service. Additionally, all relevant medical records must be obtained.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left knee and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disability. The Veteran needs to be provided with proper notice regarding his TDIU claim, have outstanding records obtained, and undergo a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, bilateral foot disability, and allergic rhinitis as these conditions are not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including residuals of a left elbow fracture, back disability, residuals of a left femur fracture, residuals of a left knee fracture, residuals of a fractured left tibia and fibula, left leg condition, residuals of a fractured pelvis, and scars, are all etiologically caused by an accident on the way to weekend training for his duties as part of the South Carolina Army National Guard in December 1970. As such, service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied an increased rating for the appellant's left knee disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to December 11, 2017 and after that date.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed to determine the current existence and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee, ankle, hand pain and numbness, and sleep apnea disabilities. The claims for service connection will be remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee disability, heart disability, acquired psychiatric disabilities (including PTSD and depression), and alcoholism due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need to verify the claimed stressor.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for cervical spine strain, bilateral hip disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability due to the need for further examinations and additional evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of a right above the knee amputation and left knee total arthroplasty have caused him to require regular aid and attendance due to his inability to dress, undress, or keep himself clean and presentable. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand three issues related to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, left knee disability, and right shoulder disability due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for left knee disability and TDIU due to the need for further examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability was reopened. The VA granted a separate 10 percent rating for painful extension of the left knee from November 7, 2017, and granted an initial rating of 10 percent for blepharitis and dry eye syndrome. Other claims were either denied or remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee and left ankle disorders are not related to his service.,Service connection for a compensable initial rating for depressive disorder is denied.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for a heart disability is dismissed. The claims to reopen for PTSD, left knee degenerative joint disease and effusion (also claimed as arthritis), and right knee meniscectomy are also dismissed due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability requires further examination and review due to inconsistencies in the April 2018 VA examination report. The issues of increased rating for right knee osteoarthritis, temporary total rating for a right knee replacement, and TDIU are all remanded.