Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disorder, hypertension, and diarrhea are being remanded for additional examinations to assess their current severity.

The Board denied service connection for aortic occlusion-thrombosis with bilateral above-the-knee amputation as secondary to service-connected schizophrenia, and also denied SMC based on the regular need for the aid and attendance of another person or housebound status.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder and right knee conditions due to incomplete VA examinations and missing medical records. The VA is instructed to attempt to locate and associate any missing treatment records with the Veteran’s case.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for right knee laxity and increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for medial meniscal tear prior to November 2, 2012, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter are denied. The evidence does not support the presence of symptoms warranting higher ratings under applicable DCs.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and earlier effective dates for major depression with anxiety disorder and tinea pedis. The Veteran's right shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities were granted service connection based on in-service injuries.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee condition, including moderate osteoarthritis, knee effusion, and partial tear of medial collateral ligament, is etiologically related to his military service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as a service-connected condition. The left knee and right hand conditions are not service-connected, but the neuropathy of both upper extremities is secondary to diabetes mellitus. PTSD with drug and alcohol abuse meets criteria for a 70% disability rating.

The Board has deferred the decision on entitlement to additional VA compensation for a dependent spouse pending the assignment of an initial disability evaluation for the low back disability and the adjudication of the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to missing VA treatment records, as well as a need for further examination of his lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claim for reopening a previously denied left knee disability is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee disability, right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, and acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD, adjustment disorder, depression, anxiety, personality disorder, panic attacks, and nightmares) due to incomplete service treatment records and potential Reserve service. The claims are being remanded for further development including obtaining additional medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for further examination.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed right lower extremity and right knee disabilities, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, and tinnitus have been reopened. Service connection is granted for tinnitus but denied for chest problems/blood clot in lungs. Other issues are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension with chronic kidney disease, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right knee tendonitis, left knee damaged meniscus, and right knee instability, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection of left shoulder, hip, and knee conditions due to new evidence. The cases are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board finds that additional development is needed before the claims for higher evaluations can be adjudicated on the merits. The Veteran has submitted new evidence since the March 2015 Statement of the Case, and this evidence must be considered by the AOJ.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities have been dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing these claims.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his right knee prior to March 25, 2015 has also been dismissed.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for various conditions and increased ratings for disabilities. The effective dates of the awards are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that additional records are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection of various orthopedic disabilities, including bilateral wrist, lumbar spine, hands, hips, knees, ankles, and feet disabilities. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the claim for fibrohistiocytoma, chest wall, right due to new evidence. The left and right knee conditions are denied as service connection is not established. A disability rating of 20 percent for bilateral metatarsalgia is granted.