Knee decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and providing the Veteran with VA examinations and medical opinions in connection with his claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic lumbar spine sprain, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied as new and material evidence was not received.

The Board found the appellant's assertions of a left knee injury in service not credible and denied his claim for service connection for a left knee disability. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded as they require further examination to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including osteoarthritis and genu varum, was found to meet the criteria for a 50 percent rating due to limitation of extension. The instability issue also met the criteria for a 10 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, do not meet the criteria for service connection as they are not shown to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance was denied because the knee braces provided do not tend to wear or tear his clothing, as determined by VA medical personnel.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been evaluated at a 10 percent rating since the grant of service connection. The current evidence does not support an increase in this evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and a right knee disorder, finding that there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to the appellant's military service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for left hip, right knee and left knee disabilities. The Board has found that further development of the record is needed before it may appropriately adjudicate these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for DJD of the left knee, sleep apnea, residuals of uvula excision, bilateral flat feet, and bilateral heel spurs. The conditions are considered to be due to the Veteran's period of active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The claim to reopen the sling palsy of the right upper extremity was not pursued, and his PTSD, DJD with PFS knees, and bilateral hearing loss claims were also denied.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities were found to have their onset during active service, and he is currently assigned a non-compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The psychiatric disability claim was broadened to include PTSD, adjustment disorder with anxiety, and depression.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, including those for increased ratings for various conditions and disabilities. The Board is dismissing the appeals as moot.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is found to be a result of an in-service injury during World War II, and the Board finds service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of her right knee disability, as well as her claims for effective dates. The case is also being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent evaluation for right knee instability beginning August 18, 2009. However, the issue of increased evaluation for the Veteran's entire right knee disability remains pending and requires further clarification.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities and new claims. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the issuance of a Statement of the Case on certain issues, including those involving sleep apnea and hemorrhoids/dizziness.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his psychiatric condition and spinal disorders, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of June 10, 2008. The effective date for the grant of TDIU is set at this time.