Knee Board decisions

The Board finds that the Veteran's right knee disability is not related to his service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection. The left knee disability issue remains pending as further development was needed.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee condition likely pre-existed service and was not aggravated by active duty, thus denying service connection for this issue. The Board also found no evidence of a lower back condition related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities make it impossible for him to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus granting a TDIU.

The Veteran's left knee instability and patellofemoral syndrome ratings were reduced from 20% to 10%, effective May 1, 2015. The reduction was upheld as the evidence showed improvement in her conditions under ordinary conditions of life.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for the aggravation of OSA by a service-connected disability, specifically the bilateral deviated nasal septum.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative changes, but denied increased ratings for obstructive sleep apnea and GERD.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including arthritis and instability, is rated at 20 percent effective January 7, 2016. The Board also granted TDIU benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hip, knee, and spine disabilities. The claims will be reviewed on a de novo basis.

The Veteran's migraines without aura, with mixed component of tension type headache are assigned a 50 percent rating, which is the maximum schedular rating available for the disability. The Veteran's right knee meniscal injury with chondromalacia patella has been rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, right knee condition, and hammertoes. The case will be remanded to obtain additional medical records, conduct necessary examinations, and readjudicate the issues.

The Veteran's claims for prostate disorder, stomach ulcers, and skin fungus/rash/cancer are denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Veteran's skin condition was diagnosed during service but not related to it.,PTSD and GERD with gastritis have been granted service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the remaining issues for further development.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis is found to be caused by his service-connected right knee condition.,The Veteran withdrew his claim for lumbar disc disease with radiculopathy as secondary to the service connected right knee arthritis status post-meniscectomy.,Service connection for a respiratory condition due to exposure to asbestos and carbon toxins during service is granted.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 40% rating for his service-connected left knee disability, finding that the reduction was improper. The Veteran is now rated at 50% for limitation of extension and a separate 10% rating for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and chronic bronchitis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development of VA treatment records.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals regarding increased evaluations for osteoarthritis of the right knee and dermatitis of the face before a decision was made.

The Veteran's overall disability rating is properly calculated using the Combined Ratings Table, resulting in a combined disability evaluation of 70 percent.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis is as likely as not related to his active service, and the claim for service connection has been granted.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been manifested by flexion no worse than 45 degrees and extension no worse than 5 degrees, with no evidence of ankylosis, locking, or instability. The Board finds that the disability does not warrant a higher rating.