Knee decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee DJD is related to his service-connected right knee disability and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for PTSD, asthma, right knee disability, left knee disability, or back disability. The appellant's current psychiatric condition is diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder and preexisted his period of ACDUTRA service.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal of his claim for service connection for a left knee disorder before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's TKA of the right knee has been rated at 30 percent since June 1, 2011. The Board finds that a higher 60 percent rating is warranted from June 1, 2011.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability and his initial, compensable rating for PTSD prior to September 28, 2014 due to inadequate examination findings. The AOJ is instructed to arrange for an appropriate VA examination and obtain all outstanding records.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current right knee disability or left knee Baker's cyst related to service. The Veteran's STRs are silent for any complaints, treatment, or diagnoses related to his knees.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on instability or limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability requires additional development due to missing records and need for an examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability, sleep apnea, and a below-the-left-knee amputation are not supported by the evidence of record. The claim for diabetes mellitus was previously denied in July 2005 and no new and material evidence has been received since then. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability was also previously denied but no new and material evidence has been received since September 1991. No increased rating is granted for chronic low back pain, chronic sinusitis with headaches, or a left varicocele. Special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or due to being housebound is not warranted. The Veteran's claim for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance and/or adaptive equipment for an automobile is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including new examinations and the obtaining of additional medical records.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his left knee and rhinitis conditions, as well as the denials for service connection for cervical spine and lung conditions, were denied. The Board found that a compensable rating was not warranted for limited extension of the left knee or degenerative joint disease with painful flexion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA joints examination to determine the nature and etiology of his current right knee strain. Additionally, he will be scheduled for an appropriate VA examination to determine the current level of severity of his service-connected injury to left hand, 4th ring finger.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and to schedule him for VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, left knee degenerative joint disease, and associated instability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, severity, and etiology of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining records from the United States Air Force Academy and scheduling VA examinations to address her claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require him to seek the aid and attendance of another person on a daily basis, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance/housebound status.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for her right knee disability was denied. She currently receives a 20 percent rating for limitation of motion and a 30 percent rating for instability, which is the highest allowable under these diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left leg and knee disorder, cervical spine disorder, and right shoulder disorder are not etiologically related to his active service. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.