Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea was dismissed. The Board granted a temporary total disability rating for the partial right knee replacement from September 10, 2012 to October 10, 2013.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations for his right shoulder and left knee disorders have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn them.

The Veteran's right and left knee strains have been rated based on instability, locking, and flexion limitations. The initial ratings granted are consistent with the severity of his symptoms.

The Board denied service connection for left knee strain, right knee disability (other than radiculopathy), and right leg disability (other than radiculopathy). The Veteran's sleep apnea was also not granted service connection. The decision is based on the lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his claims for service connection for various conditions, including frontal sinus osteoma, head trauma, headaches, chronic sinusitis/rhinitis, GERD, and others. The claim of tinea pedis was also withdrawn.

The Veteran's low back pain syndrome and bilateral knee degenerative arthritis were evaluated, with the Board finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating than the current 20% for the low back condition and 10% for each knee condition prior to specified dates.,No new or material evidence was presented to reopen any previously denied claims.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 24, 2012 for service connection of depressive disorder was denied as there were no pending claims at the time. The issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a right knee disability claim, and entitlement to service connection for left knee, bilateral upper extremity, and bilateral foot disabilities are still pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development, including obtaining medical records from various VA facilities and Grays Harbor Community Hospital. The appeal is now pending again with the RO.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated at 10 percent for DJD with meniscal tear, bursitis, and chondromalacia patella status post arthroscopic debridement and medial collateral ligament sprain. The rating for instability is increased to 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinea pedis of the bilateral feet has been granted. The remaining issues have not been fully adjudicated and are remanded.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current right or left knee disability, and the Veteran's reported symptoms are not supported by medical records. Therefore, service connection for these disabilities cannot be granted.,Similarly, the Board finds insufficient evidence to support a finding of a current obstructive sleep apnea disability, as it was first diagnosed many years after discharge from military service. The claim is denied.,Regarding hypertension, the Veteran's blood pressure readings were consistently within normal limits throughout his service and for several years post-discharge. There is no evidence linking this condition to service or any presumptive exposure to herbicide agents. Therefore, service connection cannot be granted.,The Board also found insufficient evidence of a current vision disability in the record. The Veteran's reported symptoms are not supported by medical records. Service connection for this issue is denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability was initially rated as noncompensable prior to August 19, 2013. Since then, he has been granted a 10 percent rating effective from that date.

The Veteran's left knee disability, specifically limitation of extension, is rated at a 30 percent since October 30, 2009 to February 18, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and opinions regarding his right knee disorder and PTSD with depression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral wrist, knee, and low back disabilities are not service-connected as they are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, providing a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder disabilities, and readjudicating the claims.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability. The Veteran is also granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus, with the condition being secondary to his service-connected left foot disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for a new opinion based on full review of the record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right eye disorder clearly and unmistakably existed prior to active service and was not aggravated by active service. Therefore, service connection for a right eye disorder is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional information regarding his service in the U.S. Army Reserves and further development of his left knee disability.