Knee Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability and a left thigh contusion/hematoma. Therefore, these claims are denied.

The Veteran's hearing loss and right knee disorder are granted as service connection based on aggravation of a preexisting condition during active duty.

The Board has determined that a VA medical opinion is needed to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left knee disability, as well as whether it was incurred in service or related to any pre-existing condition. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and need for further medical opinions.

The Board found that the Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression more nearly approximated a 50 percent disability rating for the entire initial rating period on appeal. The claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 was denied as there is no evidence of VA negligence in failing to diagnose or treat gangrene.

The Board denied initial disability ratings in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for his chronic muscular back strain, and the Board found no evidence of direct or secondary service connection for his right knee disorder or right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee with shrapnel residuals is currently rated at 10 percent disabling. The Board denied an increased rating and also denied entitlement to a TDIU due to lack of information regarding employment history.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee condition and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, but denied reopening of his claim for service connection for left knee strain and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The rating for right knee disability remains unchanged.

The Veteran's service-connected depression is currently rated as 50 percent disabling prior to September 30, 2015, and 70 percent thereafter. The VA examiner found that the Veteran experienced occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as depressed mood, mild memory loss, disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty in establishing and maintaining relationships, and difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances.,The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a right knee injury are currently rated as 30 percent disabling from September 1, 2017 (post total right knee replacement). The VA examiner found that the Veteran experienced pain on both active and passive motion, in weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing, with the range of the opposite undamaged joint. However, the examination did not include all required testing as per Correia v. McDonald.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and he has been granted a separate rating of 20 percent for episodes of 'locking' in the right knee. The left knee disability remains rated at 10 percent.

The Board found no direct service connection for residuals of head injury/TBI, right knee disability, or left thigh disability due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service connection was denied as there is insufficient evidence showing a link between the Veteran's current disabilities and his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial evaluations for his service-connected right and left knee disabilities have been denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's left knee disability and right hip disabilities are found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The claim for a higher rating of the right knee is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including service connection for various knee and elbow disabilities, as well as a claim for TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and determine the appropriate evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder is a result of natural aging and not service-connected.,The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder was congenital in nature and did not worsen during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting opinions from a VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran's left knee condition is related to his in-service injury. The claim will be returned for further clarification and consideration.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee strain is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate examinations and additional development is required. The issues include service connection for a right foot disability, left below knee amputation, an initial compensable rating for right wrist tendonitis, and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.