Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA treatment records and the need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference Board hearing regarding the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left knee disability (secondary to a left leg fracture and flat feet), and residuals of fracture of the left leg.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for the denial of service connection for bilateral hip, wrist, elbow, and knee disabilities at a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 20 percent, the highest available rating for limitation of motion. The neuropathy of the right lower extremity is not service-connected.

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for the residuals of a left knee injury with resulting arthroplasty of the left knee.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any right knee disability present during the appeal period. The Veteran's service record includes notes from November 1970 and January 1971 documenting the presence of a right knee popliteal (Baker's) cyst, and he testified that following service, he first sought treatment for knots in the back of his right knee in approximately 1975.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Veteran's right knee and left knee DJD are currently rated at 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively. The Board finds that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including arthritis and meniscal removal, was granted a 30 percent rating effective April 1, 2015. The TDIU claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder and right knee conditions are service-connected, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain further medical opinion concerning the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed right and left knee disabilities.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability, including DJD and chondromalacia, is not related to his service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the current condition is causally related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board granted service connection for costochondritis and bilateral hand disability, and increased ratings for right knee, left knee, and right ankle disabilities. The Veteran was also awarded a compensable rating for his hallux valgus and plantar fasciitis conditions. Service connection for the varicocele was established.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected left knee disability, including claims for back, hip, and knee disabilities. The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to address the etiology of these conditions.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for myopic presbyopia, right knee disability as secondary to left knee degenerative joint disease status post arthroscopic repair, and sleep apnea have been denied. The evidence submitted since the last final denial is considered cumulative or redundant.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back and left knee conditions, including a lack of VA examination records. The Veteran is directed to provide updated medical records and undergo an examination if necessary.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and examining him for his claimed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and determined that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, leading to a grant of TDIU.