Knee decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease, status post total knee replacement was denied by the Board. The appeal is based on the initial rating assigned following the expiration of a temporary 100 percent rating.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the current nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, including considering his service-connected left knee replacement operation and arthritis. The claim will be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed right knee arthritis is not etiologically related to his active military service or to his service-connected right ankle disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a Travel Board hearing. The claims for service connection and rating issues remain pending.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's right knee instability evaluation from 10% to noncompensable was improper and restored a 10% rating effective March 1, 2010.

The Veteran's right knee disorder, including strain with severe degenerative joint disease and a loose body present anteriorly, is at least as likely as not related to his in-service complaints. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's left knee disability and whether it was aggravated by service. Additionally, if the examiner determines that the left knee disability caused or aggravated the low back disability, a VA examination will be scheduled for this purpose.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for left wrist, right wrist, left knee, and right knee conditions due to new evidence showing symptoms during or after service. Service connection is granted for these conditions as direct service connection.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective October 20, 2008. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment as of October 20, 2008.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's eligibility for service connection and to assign any appropriate rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hip disability has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of such. The claims for service connection for bilateral knee and foot disabilities, bilateral shoulder disability, and erectile dysfunction are pending.

The Veteran's sleep apnea has been rated at 50 percent since April 21, 2009. The rating is based on the need for a CPAP machine to manage symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining psychiatric treatment records and examining whether the Appellant was insane at the time of his dishonorable discharge.

The Veteran's depression is granted as secondary to her service-connected right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted, as the evidence supports a finding that his current hearing loss disability is at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure. The claims for neck and knee disabilities, as well as the request for an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids, are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee condition and lumbosacral strain are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims, including obtaining his service personnel records and treatment records from the October 1990 motor vehicle accident. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are related to his military service and have granted service connection for osteoarthritis of both knees and a groin injury in service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims, including sleep apnea and knee disabilities.