Knee decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected and undiagnosed illness-related claims, including for various musculoskeletal issues, tinnitus, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal problems, and psychiatric conditions. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and authorize VA access to private treatment records.

The Veteran's left knee and elbow disabilities have been rated as 30 percent disabling, effective the date of this decision. The TDIU claim is granted prior to November 8, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability is not related to his military service and denied both his claim for service connection and his request for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical examination. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to TDIU will be referred to the Under Secretary for Benefits or the Director of Compensation and Pension Services if it is determined that his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.

The Board has dismissed the issue of service connection for a neck disability due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The claim for an increased rating for left knee disability remains denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and to obtain outstanding VA treatment records. The issues include increased ratings for his service-connected low back and left knee disabilities, as well as service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee disability and bilateral shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms were present during service and are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee, right knee, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus disabilities are all service-connected.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claims for service connection for a low back disability, bilateral knee disability, and left great toe disability. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to evaluate her bilateral knee disorder claim, and addressing the back disorder and headaches claims in conjunction with the bilateral knee disorder claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and cervical spine disorders. The case will be remanded for a supplemental medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, bilateral foot disorder (pes planus), and right hip degenerative joint disease were granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder impingement, bursitis, and AC joint arthritis was denied. His claim for cervical spine degenerative disc disease with spondylosis remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left knee disability and to determine the degree of occupational impairment resulting from his service-connected disabilities. A VA examination is also required to opine as to whether the Veteran's sleep apnea was incurred in or aggravated by active duty or is related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected left knee disabilities, and for further development as needed.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the Veteran's failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. The claims will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disorder, including osteoarthritis, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not otherwise related to service. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been rated as noncompensable prior to August 24, 2013, and at 10 percent thereafter. The Veteran seeks increased ratings for these conditions.,For the right shoulder disability, a rating in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's periods of service and any relevant treatment records. The Veteran's bilateral knee disability will be remanded for a new VA examination.