Knee decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination to determine if his service-connected back and right knee braces tend to wear or tear his clothing, which could affect his eligibility for an annual clothing allowance.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a chronic disability manifested by hyperglycemia/impaired fasting glucose, and his bilateral knee disorders, hip disorder, and heart disorder are not service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including right ankle disorder, right eye disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, sleep apnea syndrome, and knee disorders. The left forearm burn residuals claim was reopened but not granted.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 10% rating for instability of the left knee, effective from May 1, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a travel Board hearing. The issues include seeking an increased rating for his right inguinal hernia, reopening claims for service connection of ankle and knee conditions, and determining if he qualifies for TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for an initial rating of 0 percent for right knee disability and service connection for bilateral hearing loss were denied. The Veteran was granted service connection for residuals of a right knee meniscus tear, but with no compensable rating assigned.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are being remanded to allow for additional development of the record, including obtaining VA treatment records and affording the Veteran's representative an opportunity to review the case.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, back disability, bilateral hand disability, and stomach condition require additional development. Specifically, VA treatment records need to be obtained, and an examination is necessary for the right knee and back disabilities.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain VA treatment records and arrange for a VA examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for multiple myeloma, acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD), residuals of cyst removal, degenerative joint disease (DJD) in both knees, and hearing loss is pending. Service connection has been granted for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral knee and foot disabilities are not related to service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination. The Veteran's right knee disability is being evaluated in relation to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's left knee disability, prior to November 27, 2013, was productive of x-ray evidence of advanced DJD with limited range of motion due to pain and flare-ups. From November 27, 2013, the disability is characterized by severely limited range of motion due to pain and flare-ups, effusion, locking, and crepitus.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left knee disability was denied as he failed to appear at the scheduled VA examination without providing good cause.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA medical examination and opinion regarding his left knee disorder, as well as an attempt to obtain inpatient hospital records from Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a disability rating greater than 10 percent for his service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence establishing a nexus between his current condition and active service. The claim for an increased rating for anxiety disorder was also denied.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, effective July 1, 2011. The VA examiner found no effects on her usual occupation and mild effects on her left knee exercising.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an addendum medical opinion to determine if a left knee disability exists and whether it is related to service.