Knee Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left leg compartment syndrome and degenerative joint disease of the left knee are at least as likely due to or aggravated by his service-connected right ankle and right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as he did not file a timely substantive appeal within the required time frame. The issues of service connection for left knee disorder, hypertension, and PTSD were decided on their merits based on the evidence of record at that time. Initial ratings for low back disability and cervical spine disability were also addressed but are not relevant to this decision.

The Board has found that additional development is required before the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral knee disability and a neck disability are decided. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Board has determined that additional VA treatment records are needed and will be obtained. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU per 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a). However, his claim of entitlement to a TDIU is submitted to the Director, Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) due to marked interference with employment.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a current respiratory disability, including asbestosis. The Board also determined that any current arthritis is not causally related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and bilateral wrist disorder. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's current right thigh, back, left shoulder, and left knee disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board finds that these conditions are not related to the human pyramid incident during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his military service and denied all claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide an etiological opinion regarding his claimed knee disabilities and respiratory disorder.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current back, neck, and bilateral knee disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.,There is no evidence of chronicity or continuity of symptomatology for these conditions since service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any current disabilities related to his military service, including back injury residuals, hand disorders, knee disorders, frostbite residuals, or hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right and left total knee replacements, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, bilateral tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to outstanding private treatment records and additional VA examinations are needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disorders, including Osgood-Schlatter disease and arthritis, were aggravated by service. As such, service connection is granted.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings for his low back and left knee disabilities and service connection for a right knee disability.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disorder was denied. The Board remanded the case for additional development, but ultimately continued the denial.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination.