Knee Board decisions

The Board has denied requests for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for back and right knee disabilities, finding that the earliest date is June 8, 2012. The Veteran's original claims were not appealed within one year of denial.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee strain, finding that the Veteran's discomfort began during active service and continued post-service. The decision is based on credible reports of symptoms from the Veteran and medical records documenting treatment in service.

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's right knee conditions due to potential worsening since his last examination. The claims for higher ratings are being remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities have been rated based on the severity of his symptoms and range of motion. The appeals for higher ratings are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate statement of reasons and bases, failure to comply with duty to assist, and need for a new VA medical opinion regarding continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, delusional disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and various other conditions are granted. Service connection is also granted for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted the appellant's application to reopen his previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a hernia. The claim is remanded for further development regarding other disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right knee disorder, lumbar spine disorder, asthma, and sleep apnea (secondary to asthma) due to additional development being needed.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and scheduling new VA examinations. The claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disability, increased ratings for cervical strain and lumbar strain, initial increased rating for neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and TDIU are all pending.

The Veteran's left knee disability is found to be etiologically related to her military service and service connection for this condition is granted. The claim for service connection of the left eye disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. No service connection decisions were made.

The Board has denied service connection for sinusitis, left knee osteoarthritis (to include as secondary to right knee disability), sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression). The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for his hip and knee disabilities due to outstanding medical records and a need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left and right knee replacements, lumbar degenerative disc disease, plantar fasciitis, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His TDIU claim is granted effective October 1, 2009.

The Board denied service connection for right knee strain, bilateral pes planus, and an acquired eye disability. The Veteran's right knee condition is not considered to have been incurred in or aggravated by service. His pes planus was noted at entry but did not increase during service. Service connection for his acquired eye disabilities is also denied as the pre-existing conditions were not shown to be aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee and low back conditions, but has remanded the issue of service connection for neck condition.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for left and right knee replacements due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current knee disabilities are related to his active service, specifically his cargo-lifting work as a loadmaster.

The Board denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection of chondromalacia patella, left knee due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for patellofemoral syndrome of the bilateral knees prior to June 8, 2015, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence and further testing is needed for proper adjudication of the claim.