Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for residuals of left knee stress fracture was granted, with the effective date being June 19, 2014. The Veteran also received an increased rating to 10 percent for left knee limitation of extension from June 19, 2014. Finally, the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for dysthymic disorder was granted at a 30 percent rating effective January 25, 2010.,The Veteran received an initial compensable rating (10%) for residuals of left knee stress fracture from June 19, 2014. The Veteran also received an increased rating to 10% for left knee limitation of extension from June 19, 2014. Finally, the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for dysthymic disorder was granted at a 30 percent rating effective January 25, 2010.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bilateral knee DJD and sleep apnea, but denied the claims for erectile dysfunction and Parkinson's disease. Bilateral knee DJD is not considered related to service, while sleep apnea was first noted after service.

The Veteran's left knee disability was granted a separate 20% rating for swelling, pain and effusion from July 5, 2013 to June 4, 2014. A higher 20% rating was granted as of October 1, 2014. The Veteran also received a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected, and his right knee disability remains at a 10% rating. The TDIU claim is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for lower back disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder due to incomplete records and a need to consider his service-connected atopic eczematous dermatitis.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and left knee disability. The claims of service connection for back disability, neck disability, and right knee disability are denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for a left knee disability was dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a right knee disability due to new and material evidence. The Veteran's current right knee condition is found to be related to his in-service injury, resulting in a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require him to use a motorized scooter for mobility, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. Additionally, his permanent and total disability due to service-connected conditions precludes locomotion without aids like braces or crutches, qualifying him for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's quadricep tendon rupture of the right knee is being remanded for further examination and review. The issues of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, service connection as secondary to a service-connected disability, and temporary total evaluation are also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn and the claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, as well as initial rating claims, are dismissed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on the issues of entitlement to service connection for a chronic sinus disability, a bilateral knee disability, and a right hip disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the entire appeal period, with marginal employment established as of February 15, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for knee, respiratory, eye, and low back disabilities have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board will seek further medical opinions on the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and an updated examination of the left knee condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder, low back disorder, and bilateral knee disorder. The disorders are found to be at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's in-service parachuting landings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and left knee disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional information regarding his TDIU claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current left knee condition is related to service. The claim will be reviewed again with a new examination and opinion.