Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation of his right knee condition and TDIU from March 1, 2013 is denied. The earlier effective date issue was dismissed as the Veteran did not have an available avenue to appeal it.

The Veteran seeks earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for anxiety disorder NOS, left knee strain with osteoarthritis, and left ankle strain with degenerative arthritis. The Board finds that an updated VA examination is necessary to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error.,The Veteran also seeks increased ratings for his service-connected anxiety disorder NOS, left knee strain with osteoarthritis, and left ankle strain with degenerative arthritis. The Board finds that a new VA examination is necessary to determine the current level of severity of these disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee condition and OSA, finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current diagnosis of hearing loss meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status due to his ability to feed himself, prepare meals, manage finances, attend to personal needs such as shaving and toileting, and walk without assistance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates are inextricably intertwined with his claims for remand. The claims have been REMANDED to allow for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee disorder but denied service connection for all other claimed conditions due to lack of evidence showing current disabilities.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 9, 2017 for the award of a TDIU and basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C., Chapter 35.

The Veteran's skin condition of the hand is rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's scars of the right knee are currently rated as noncompensable. The evidence did not show any compensable scars based on size or instability.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis status post arthroscopy was rated at 10 percent for extension and flexion, but the Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating due to functional loss from pain during flare-ups.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected right knee degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error. A VA examination or addendum opinion is required to address the Veteran's reported flare-ups and provide estimated ranges of motion during these periods.

The Board has remanded both claims for service connection due to inadequate examinations and missing records. The Veteran's eye disabilities are being examined again, and his left knee replacement is also requiring further examination.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are each rated at 10 percent, effective May 10, 2018. The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for these conditions.,The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae disability is currently rated at 0 percent, effective May 10, 2018. The Veteran is not entitled to a compensable evaluation for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee degenerative osteoarthritis and strain, secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, and cervical spine condition, secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee limitation of flexion and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with limitation of flexion were denied. A separate noncompensable rating was granted for the left knee meniscus tear.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee chondromalacia patella, finding that his condition did not meet criteria warranting a higher rating based on limited range of motion or other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable, and he has worked full-time despite his knee disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression, are found to be related to his service-connected left shoulder disability.,His left knee condition is determined to be at least as likely as not related to service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss and left knee strain were denied.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected conditions was remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's appeal for an effective date of January 30, 2015, for service connection of left knee meniscal tear (limitation of flexion with painful motion) and limitation of extension. The decision is based on the Veteran's intent to file a claim for his left knee disability in 2015.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals of his service connection claims for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to rhinitis and right knee disability due to his withdrawal of these issues.