Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development, including new examinations and consideration of a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's left knee disability has been rated as noncompensable since April 1, 2008. The Board found that the current rating does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including determining if the appellant is eligible to substitute as the claimant and completing any other necessary development. The appeal will be returned to the AOJ for readjudication.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination of his right knee and the addition of SSA records to the electronic file.

The Veteran seeks a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The case is being remanded to obtain vocational rehabilitation records and provide the Veteran with a new VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on employment.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by a meniscus tear with frequent episodes of joint pain, effusion, and locking, warrants a 20 percent evaluation for the entire period on appeal.

The Board denied service connection for left knee disability, fibromyalgia, hypertension, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. The Veteran's claims were remanded due to new evidence received after a prior denial.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left knee disorder and whether it is related to her service-connected back and/or right knee disabilities. The claim will be readjudicated based on both direct and secondary theories of entitlement.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining an opinion regarding the etiology of his degenerative joint disease and whether it is related to his service-connected left knee disability or secondary to it.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was aggravated during service, and his bilateral knee disability is due to a congenital condition pre-existing service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability and granted it, finding that there is sufficient evidence to establish a current disability, in-service onset, and a relationship between the current condition and service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his in-service injury. The issue will be remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a VA examination regarding eligibility for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated at 10 percent since January 20, 2007. The RO increased the rating to 20 percent effective March 14, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, status post dislocation. The claims of service connection for left and right knee disabilities are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral knee disabilities and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and anxiety) are not related to his active service. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the withdrawal of his claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a left tibial medial meniscal fracture. The Board also finds that another examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his lumbar spine disorder and left knee disorder.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection of cervical spine, lumbar spine, left hip, and both knees. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his active duty as a Navy Seal.

The Veteran's left collarbone disability and left knee disabilities are not currently evaluated at a higher rating.,The Veteran's lumbar spine strain with degenerative disc disease is currently evaluated at 20 percent prior to December 16, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to provide him with adequate notice and opportunity for a Board hearing. The issues of non-payment of VA compensation benefits, as well as increased evaluations for bilateral patellofemoral arthritis, are pending.