Knee decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the PTSD claim. The right ankle and knee disability claims were denied, as new evidence did not meet the criteria for reopening the claim, and there is no causal relationship between service and these disabilities. Hearing loss and tinnitus claims are pending.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The VA examinations indicate that his range of motion and symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the left ankle post fusion and degenerative arthritis of the left knee has been granted, with a rating of 30 percent for the left ankle and 20 percent for the left knee.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations. The TDIU claim will also be remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee and foot disabilities are not related to his military service, thus denying his claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with notice of VA examinations and a request for additional evidence. The Veteran is required to provide any authorized records, and he will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine if his knee and back conditions are related to service.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current diagnosed knee and ankle disabilities to his active service or reserve duty, thus denying service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a video conference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for a left ring finger scar was granted. The other claims of service connection were denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of whether new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for a right knee condition and right hand carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of right or left knee disabilities, and therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for left knee, nose, and head injuries related to an automobile accident during active duty. The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development of his claims.

The Board finds that degenerative joint disease of the left knee had its onset in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right upper extremity pain. The appeals were not granted as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated treatment records. The issue of increasing his disability rating remains before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right and left knees, effective September 11, 2008. The earlier effective dates for service connection have also been granted.

The Board has determined that the reduction in disability rating for right knee instability from 10% to 0% was proper as of April 1, 2013. The Veteran's right knee instability did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation throughout the appeal period.

The Board has ordered additional development due to missing records, including the initial claim and separation documents. The case will be returned for further review after these records are located.