Knee decisions — 2015

The Board found that the Veteran's current hip, back, and knee disabilities did not begin during or were otherwise caused by his active service, including his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations. The Veteran's claims of service connection for low back and right knee disabilities are pending.

The Veteran's claims for separate evaluations of his service-connected right and left knee disabilities have been denied as there is no evidence of distinct symptomatology warranting such evaluations.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 60 percent since September 17, 2007. The claim for TDIU is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability, which was a result of his military service, contributed to his death from pulmonary thromboembolism. The cause of death is therefore service connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for a total disability rating on the basis of individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative joint disease of the left knee was denied as his range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disorder, as well as obtaining private medical records from Dr. G.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability did not manifest in service or for many years thereafter, and is unrelated to his service-connected left knee disorder.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's right knee disability and his service, as well as whether it is related to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video teleconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the previously denied claims for service connection of left knee disorder and left hip disorder. The Veteran's current complaints are considered, but no direct or secondary service connection is granted.

The Veteran's left knee disability is manifested by chronic, severe pain, including upon motion. The Board finds that a 60 percent disability rating for the left knee disability satisfies his appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome, finding that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability began during her military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to January 6, 2009 for service connection of migraine headaches, lumbar spine strain due to scoliosis, and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome as these awards became final after a February 2001 rating decision on merits.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right and left knee disabilities are not related to his military service, as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence of aggravation during service. The pre-existing Osgood-Schlatter's disease was considered to have been a temporary flare-up without chronic worsening.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his claim for an increased rating for bilateral knee disability and service connection for segmental glomerulosclerosis were both found to be lacking sufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing due to issues with recording at the previous hearing. Service connection claims for bilateral knee condition and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are pending, as is the TDIU claim.