Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of the condition. The Veteran's left knee strain is rated at 10 percent based on limitation of flexion to 135 degrees.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that new evidence does not relate to any unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim. The claim for secondary service connection is moot due to the denial of the primary claim.

The Veteran's chronic conditions, including lymphedema of the left leg, diabetes mellitus type II, and spinal stenosis, require regular aid and attendance from another person. The Board has determined that these conditions meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has denied reopening of the claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted to support these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his combined service-connected disabilities on his employability. The case will be readjudicated after this.

The Board found that the right above-the-knee amputation was not caused by VA's carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill. The proximate cause was believed to be an infection resulting from a pressure ulcer on the Veteran's heel.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate examinations and failure to comply with prior remand orders.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including fibromyalgia and plantar fasciitis, do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, claimed as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), as secondary to his service-connected status post total left knee replacement. The Board also granted service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and therefore remands for further development to obtain a medical opinion on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, without consideration of his age or non-service connected disabilities, prevent the Veteran from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The criteria for TDIU have been met.

The Veteran's service-connected right hip, right knee, and left knee disabilities have been evaluated at the minimum levels allowed by VA regulations. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disorder is granted as service connected. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of in-service injury and current disability, warranting service connection.

The Board has decided that the case needs to be remanded for further development, including a VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a left knee disability, including as secondary to his right knee disability, has been denied due to lack of evidence showing the condition was incurred in or aggravated by active military service.,VA examinations have not adequately addressed the impact of pain on the Veteran's ability to use his knees while working.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) was first diagnosed in service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and a new examination for his left knee disability. Additionally, the TDIU claim will be deferred until after these actions are completed.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and knee disabilities need further development before being decided on appeal, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disorder is as likely as not caused by his service-connected right knee disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.