Knee Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA and private treatment records, scheduling a new VA examination for the right knee disorder, and considering the Veteran's claims again.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was dismissed as he withdrew his claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The issue of a compensable rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity prior to February 25, 2014 is remanded.

The Veteran is seeking compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. � 1151 for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident while being transported to and from his VA-provided CWT program. The Board finds that further development, including obtaining information about the Veteran's participation in the CWT program and the van involved in the accident, is needed before deciding these claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability is related to his active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized as status post total right knee replacement, was evaluated at a 30 percent rating from June 1, 2015. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability, PTSD, and sleep apnea are all service-connected. The decision is based on credible medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a back disability, and a bilateral knee disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence of chronic disabilities during active duty or within one year post-service, and concluded that any current conditions are not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the appellant's claimed disabilities are related to his active service, including heavy manual labor during deployment in Kuwait.

The Veteran's service connection claim for migraine headaches is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran had a history of headaches during service, which later developed into migraines and have continued since then.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the right and left knees as there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for right and left ankle disabilities, right and left knee disabilities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions in the November 2016 letter from Dr. T.R.F.

The Veteran's claim for reopening service connection for a bilateral knee condition is granted. Service connection for the right knee disability is denied, but he receives a compensable rating of 20% for erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting right knee disability was aggravated by active service, and therefore grants service connection for a right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and bilateral knee disabilities are not related to service. The evidence does not establish an in-service injury or event resulting in these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, lumbar spine disorder, right knee disorder, rib/breast bone disorder, and chronic headaches secondary to PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records. The issues include determining if his knee conditions are secondary to his lumbar spine condition, obtaining an updated examination for his back disability, and obtaining VA treatment records for his psychiatric care.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining his service personnel records, VA treatment records, and SSA records. The Veteran will also be scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination to address any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the VA examination was inadequate and remands the case for further development, including a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current right knee disability.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are rated at 10% each, but the Board finds no evidence to support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or functional loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders, numbness in the right lower extremity, and right testicle hydrocele as secondary to a right knee disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his period of service.,The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran’s current arthritis in his knees was more likely related to obesity and natural aging process rather than an injury sustained during airborne jumps.