Knee decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for SMC/A&A benefits is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities cause him to be housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various disabilities, including psoriatic arthritis and its related conditions. The case has been REMANDED due to the need for a VA examination regarding the onset of his current disabilities.

The Veteran's torn medial meniscus, left knee with osteoarthritis is rated at 30 percent. His left knee osteoarthritis with limited range of motion is not entitled to a higher rating. The Board has granted the Veteran a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various psychiatric, musculoskeletal, and spinal disorders. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate these claims.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his left knee disability was denied. His right shoulder disability claim, which had been previously denied on the merits, was reopened due to new and material evidence submitted after the July 2008 denial. The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder disability was aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right and left tibia disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee ACL reconstruction resulted in painful motion but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on instability or dislocation.

The Board has granted service connection for right ankle strain with DJD, right knee DJD, and left knee DJD. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain relevant VA treatment records and for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic right and left knee disorders, finding that the Veteran's current knee disabilities are related to her military service. Service connection was denied for middle/lower back pain.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest possible disability rating of 100 percent, effective June 8, 2010. The claim for higher ratings for his service-connected disabilities of the knees and shoulders, as well as his asbestosis, are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including medical examinations and opinions. The case will be scheduled for a Board hearing via video conference.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to appear for a Travel Board hearing and because of issues related to reopening previously denied claims. The case is also being returned for scheduling a new Travel Board hearing.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a prostate disorder and a bilateral knee disability, finding that there is no evidence of current disabilities or any link to service.

The Board has granted initial noncompensable ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities effective June 17, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disorder did not begin during or as a result of his active duty service and is unrelated to his service-connected disabilities, including his right knee and back conditions. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is related to service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to assess the current state of the Veteran's right knee condition, and any associated disability. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, residuals of a right knee injury, residuals of a left knee injury, neck disability, and left shoulder disability. The claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability was not addressed as it is considered to be part of the migraine headaches claim. The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50%.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete file and unclear direction of payments. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, and a right knee disability are before another VLJ.