Knee decisions — 2013

The Board determined that a timely substantive appeal was not filed following the July 2008 rating decision denying service connection for various disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, as well as a TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of the record.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including traumatic arthritis and instability, has been rated at 10 percent since December 20, 2004. Since January 4, 2011, the rating for limitation of extension is also 10 percent. The claims for service connection for various disorders are considered granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination, and he needs a new one to determine his right knee disability.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for bilateral knee disability, finding that the evidence did not establish a direct link between the veteran's military service and his current condition.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed right knee, right foot, and right ankle disorders, as well as a disorder of bilateral toes other than the right toe hallux valgus, and low back disorder. The Board found no credible evidence of chronic pathology of any joints or toes other than the right great toe for more than 20 years after service.

The Veteran's right knee disability warrants a combined rating of 50 percent (based upon a formulation of 30 percent under Code 5261 for limitation of extension and 20 percent under Code 5257 for instability) effective from August 8, 2006.

The Board has ordered a remand to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for his left knee disability, specifically whether it is secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her service-connected right knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to various disabilities, including hearing loss, elbow and knee conditions, spine disorders, foot problems, and a scar. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has found no current disability of the back and denied service connection for a low back disability. The Veteran's right ankle disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of an injury during service. Service connection for bilateral shin pain was also denied due to lack of a diagnosed condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left knee disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with the characterization of the claims and additional development is needed, including obtaining medical records from Dr. F. Schulz and St. Mary-Corwin Hospital in Pueblo, Colorado, as well as any SSA disability benefits records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination and review of relevant records. The Veteran's left knee disabilities are being evaluated in relation to his service-connected cold injury residuals.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and nerve damage, prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the right and left knees have been granted increased evaluations, with each knee receiving a 20 percent rating under DC 5260 for limitation of flexion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and the obtaining of treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the RO in Waco, Texas. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings and reopening service connection claims are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from performing sedentary employment, and the Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against his claim for a TDIU.

The Veteran's application for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant was denied as he does not meet the eligibility requirements due to his service-connected disabilities.