Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and further development is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Veteran's deviated septum was acquired during his second period of active service, and the Board affords the benefit of doubt in favor of granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's skin disorder claim has been reopened, but service connection is not granted. The gastrointestinal disorder and psychiatric disorders claims are pending. Service connection for erectile dysfunction and arthritis of the feet have also been denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the initial ratings of 10% and 0% for right shoulder disability and right knee disability, respectively.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to use of back and knee braces is denied as the Undersecretary for Health did not certify that these appliances cause wear and tear to his clothing.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, hypertension, lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and bilateral eye disorders are all found to have onset during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the issues of service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip disorder, left ear hearing loss, and left knee disorder. The claim for PTSD was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right and left knee disabilities are not related to his active duty service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle, hip, and knee disabilities due to a lack of diagnosed current disability related to active duty service.

The Veteran's right knee is currently rated at 10 percent for degenerative joint disease, and noncompensable for limitation of extension. The Board found no basis to grant higher ratings based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by pain and limited motion, has been rated at 20 percent since October 25, 2017. The rating is based on limitation of flexion.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 20% prior to January 8, 2018. The Board granted a separate 20% rating for postoperative residuals of a right knee menisci resection from May 3, 2012 through January 7, 2018.,The Veteran was also awarded a 30% rating for postoperative residuals of a right knee arthrotomy with menisci resection and ligamentous repair due to limitation of flexion from May 3, 2012 through June 4, 2012. The Board granted a separate 30% rating for limitation of extension from May 3, 2012 through June 4, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's right knee disability. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left knee disability is granted, with separate ratings of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis, 10 percent for instability, and 20 percent for dislocated semilunar cartilage effective from February 28, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease, hypertension, and migraines are remanded. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with the other claims.

The Veteran's service is not considered during a recognized period of war, thus denying her eligibility for VA nonservice connected disability pension benefits.

The appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for an updated examination to determine the current nature and severity of her service-connected right knee disability and left knee disability.