Knee decisions — 2015

The Veteran's right and left knee conditions have been rated based on their current functional limitations, with no additional service connection or exposure basis provided. The appeals for higher ratings are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no current left knee disability, and the Veteran's deviated nasal septum was not manifested by complete obstruction on one side or 100% obstruction of both sides. For PTSD, the symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating. For bilateral hearing loss, there was no evidence of more than Level II hearing in either ear.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent, the highest available rating for limitation of flexion without compensable limitation of extension or other symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination of the Veteran's left knee. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right leg disability, including a right knee disability. The evidence did not establish that any current right leg or right knee disability was incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is manifested by painful motion, but does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating due to lack of actual limitation of motion. The Veteran has no limitation of extension and his flexion is limited to 120 degrees with pain at that point.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has taken jurisdiction over the Veteran's increased evaluation claims for his knee disabilities and TDIU claim. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records, Social Security Administration records, and German Government agency records. A new VA examination of the Veteran's knees will also be scheduled.

The Veteran's hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and BPH are found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss as it is at least as likely as not that the condition was incurred during active duty.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the appellant's claims of service connection for residuals of a left knee injury and residuals of a right shoulder injury, which were previously denied in September 2002. The appellant now contends these injuries occurred during his honorable period of service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of service dates and provision of new examinations to address the issues of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed left knee, left hip, and right hip disabilities. The examination will determine if these conditions are related to service or any pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to missing VA treatment records and examination reports. The case will be reconsidered based on the available evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disability and respiratory disorder are service connected, with a focus on whether these conditions are secondary to in-service events or injuries.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted effective July 13, 2010. The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to an earlier effective date of July 13, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disability is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent disabling based on limitation of motion. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating due to functional impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records, as well as scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic psychiatric disorder, left ankle disorder, or liver disorder in service and concluded that the current conditions are not related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling conflicts for a Board hearing. The issues of service connection for various conditions are still pending.