Knee Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected, as there is at least a 50% likelihood it was caused by his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and missing documents. The case will be reconsidered based on the updated evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to active service.,The Veteran's preexisting lumbar spine disorder was not aggravated by active duty service. The cervical, knee, hip, stomach, headache, and right shoulder disorders were not shown in service or for many years thereafter.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee arthritis is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since November 6, 2013. Additionally, his need for aid and attendance of another person due to his physical limitations has been established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee, left hip, and right ankle disabilities are related to his active service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's right knee disability, post-total knee replacement, is rated at 60 percent effective March 31, 2015. The left knee disability is rated at 20 percent since March 31, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee instability and limitation of motion are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is found to have its onset in service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right hand, shoulder, hip, and knee disabilities due to incomplete development in the August and September 2017 VA medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss with serous otomastoiditis and a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee arthritis have been denied.,A separate 10 percent rating has been granted for right knee instability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee arthritis, post laminectomy syndrome, and residuals of a left ankle disability are all service-connected.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision can be rendered regarding the service connection and increased rating claims.

The Veteran's above the knee amputation was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or error in judgment. The Board found insufficient evidence to support a claim of additional disability due to VA care.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including headaches and sinus problems, are granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of a back disability and found that new and material evidence had not been submitted. The Veteran was also denied increased evaluations for his left knee disorder and right wrist disabilities, as well as TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his sleep apnea and service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 10 percent, and his left knee disability is also rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.,Service connection for a right shoulder disability cannot be established as there is no in-service injury or disease found.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, bilateral knee disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and low back disorder secondary to the service-connected bilateral pes planus. The effective date of the grant of service connection is set at April 6, 1993. The TDIU claim will be remanded due to a need for additional information from the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from the early 1990s and providing an additional medical opinion regarding his left knee disorder.