Knee Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed respiratory disability and denied service connection for this condition. The Board also did not find any evidence of asbestos exposure during service, which was necessary to establish service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and conflicting psychiatric diagnoses. The Veteran's claims for PTSD and left knee disability will be further evaluated.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as unspecified bipolar disorder, is found to be at least as likely as not incurred during service. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to address his claims of service connection for right knee disability and initial compensable evaluation for cervicogenic headaches.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and amputation of the right leg below the knee due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, despite the Veteran's presumption of exposure. The claim was also denied under a secondary service connection theory as the amputation is related to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hip and knee conditions are being remanded for additional development to determine if they are related to his service-connected foot disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for a left elbow disorder, left knee disorder, or throat scarring.

The appeal is REMANDED to the AOJ for further development of the issues, including a new examination and issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) with respect to certain claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left ankle disability, lumbar spine disability, or right knee disability. The evidence of record is against finding service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's sciatica and acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) were not found to be related to his service. The Board denied the claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, and the combined evaluation of his service-connected disabilities remains at 60 percent. The propriety of the combined rating is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are not service-connected. The evidence does not establish a direct link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance is denied as he does not meet the criteria of being helpless or so nearly helpless that he requires regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's current diagnoses of degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) of the neck, back, fingers, knees and ankles are found to be related to his active service.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations, with separate ratings for instability and cartilage dislocation where applicable. The RO has granted the requested increased ratings.

The Veteran's bilateral knee DJD is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. Separate ratings of 10 percent each are granted for instability and locking, joint pain, and effusion.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for an initial compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction and service connection for a left knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of his right knee disability and left knee disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current disabilities and service.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disability, left knee osteoarthritis, and right knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are as likely as not related to his military service.