Knee Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for OSA, bilateral hip trochanteric tendonitis, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The right knee disability case is remanded.

The Board denied a higher initial disability rating for left knee instability and osteoarthritis, finding that the symptomatology did not more nearly approximate severe subluxation or instability.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine disorders, as well as a bilateral knee disorder. The AOJ is required to verify any periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA that are not already confirmed, and then schedule the veteran for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his spinal and knee conditions.

Right knee osteoarthritis is granted as secondary to service-connected right ankle fracture with degenerative joint disease.,Tinnitus is granted as incurred in service.,Cervical disorder is granted as secondary to service-connected thoracolumbar strain.,Shortened right leg is granted as secondary to service-connected right ankle fracture.,Sinusitis is granted as incurred in service.

The Veteran's appeal for shin splints was dismissed as she requested withdrawal of the appeal. The Board also remanded issues regarding left knee and bilateral foot disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee chondromalacia, finding that it is related to a 1962 in-service injury.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by painful motion and degenerative joint disease (DJD), has been rated at a minimum of 10 percent since August 28, 2012. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The left knee sprain, left Achilles heel spur, and left great ingrown toenail are each rated at the minimum compensable levels (10%). The left lower extremity sciatic nerve dysfunction and femoral nerve dysfunction remain rated at 20%.

The Veteran's claim for left knee disability has been reopened, but the issue remains remanded due to a need for further development.,The Veteran's claim for PTSD was previously denied and reopened. The Board finds that service connection is warranted based on evidence linking current symptoms to in-service stressors.,The right knee disability claim is being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the left knee disability claim.,The Veteran’s COPD rating remains at 30 percent, but a new VA examination is needed to determine if an increased rating is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals. The Board has also remanded cases related to hereditary exostosis and secondary service connection.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the initial rating for tinnitus is denied as there is no legal basis to award a higher schedular evaluation. The issues of service connection for fibromyalgia, CFS, headaches, CTS, restless leg syndrome, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his right testicular disorder was denied. The Board found no factual basis for an increased rating as there is no lay or medical evidence of atrophy of both testes that would justify such a rating.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on multiple knee and back conditions have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service treatment for a left knee disorder and low back disorder. The Veteran's claims are linked as they both stem from his left knee condition.

The Board has remanded several claims, including reopening of service connection for various disabilities and increased evaluations. The Veteran's VA treatment records have been submitted but need to be reviewed by the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining VA and/or private treatment records related to his service-connected left knee and left ankle disabilities, and scheduling him for an appropriate VA examination.

The Board has remanded multiple issues for further development and clarification, including service connection claims for irritable bowel syndrome, bilateral hearing loss disability, degenerative arthritis of the knees, and hypertensive renal disease. The Veteran's claims are pending due to incomplete VA records and lack of a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's use of a right knee brace for his service-connected degenerative changes of the right knee caused wear and tear on his clothing, warranting an annual clothing allowance for 2014.

The Board denied service connection for a right wrist fracture and remanded the issue of an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative joint disease.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee condition as it did not meet the criteria, finding that there is no direct nexus to service and that any current right knee disability is less likely related to service-connected lumbar spine disability.