Knee decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the increased rating and TDIU issues on appeal for additional development. The Veteran's left knee disability to include DJD, as well as his lumbosacral spine DDD, are still under consideration.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his service-connected right and left knee scars have been granted, but the right knee scar issue remains pending as he seeks a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, lumbar spine disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and diabetes mellitus. The Board has declined jurisdiction over the TDIU issue as it was not properly appealed at the time of the October 2014 decision. The Veteran's appeal is for increased evaluations for his service-connected conditions and eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits prior to March 20, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran seeks service connection for right ankle, knee, hip and lumbar spine disorders as secondary to his service-connected right foot plantar wart/callus. The Board finds a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum medical opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left knee disability, and therefore cannot grant service connection for this condition. The issue of entitlement to service connection for closed left foot fracture remains unresolved.

The claims for increased rating for IBS, reopening of the claim for bilateral knee disability, and reopening of the claim for headaches are REMANDED.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits information. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) claim must also be adjudicated.

The Board denied service connection for low back, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between the Veteran's active service and his current disabilities.,The November 2012 VA examination concluded that it was less likely than not that the Veteran's current right knee disability is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a special home adaptation grant is denied as he does not meet the eligibility criteria based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that further examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder and right knee disabilities, as well as whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as arthritis, is found to be a result of an injury in service and the Board grants service connection for residuals of a left knee injury.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disorders are denied as there is no current disability related to the in-service injuries and the claimed conditions have not been shown to be directly related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and medical inquiry, including a new examination of the Veteran's left knee and hypertension/chronic renal failure. The claims will be readjudicated in light of all evidence of record.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed lumbosacral spine disorder, right knee disorder, and bilateral leg disorders are not related to his service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding in favor of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on housebound status or permanent need for regular aid and attendance (A&A) has been denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current heart disease and knee disabilities are not related to service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when evaluated in association with his educational attainment and occupational experience, preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment. As such, the claim for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis is granted.

The Veteran's left and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) have been rated at 20 percent each, effective from the date of the decision. Separate evaluations of 20 percent for meniscal disabilities in both knees are also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including gout with bone inflammation and bilateral knee degenerative joint disease, were not incurred in or related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.