Knee decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding records and a need for additional examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's left knee replacement has been rated at 30 percent since May 1, 2009. The Board found that the current rating adequately compensates for his total left knee replacement and denied a higher initial rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability, including DJD, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for right and left knee disabilities, but has not yet decided whether these claims are granted or denied.

The Veteran's right knee instability has been rated at 20 percent since July 26, 2010. The current rating is appropriate as the evidence does not show more than moderate instability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status, as his total disability rating is due to TDIU from multiple conditions. He also does not qualify for SAH or SHA benefits.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant's request for withdrawal of all issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the severity of his bilateral knee disabilities. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's left knee and thoracolumbar spine disabilities were evaluated, with the left knee receiving a 10% rating prior to January 2, 2015, and a 20% rating thereafter. The thoracolumbar spine disability received a 20% rating. Both conditions are not rated higher.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are granted as service-connected.,However, the Veteran's left hand disability is denied as not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability. As such, any VCAA error related to this claim is moot.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, and residuals of a fracture of the pelvis with degenerative joint disease left hip, precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and work background since June 21, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on his right knee, left ankle, and left foot conditions were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for his right knee condition or a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left heel condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA and private medical records, scheduling the Veteran for a VA orthopedic examination to assess his current knee disabilities, and considering the claims on remand.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including clarification of service dates and obtaining additional Reserve records. The Veteran's claims for right knee disability, left knee disability, and bilateral pes planus or flat feet are pending.

The Board found that there is insufficient evidence to support service connection for bilateral hip disability or disability of the knees and lower legs, as they are not shown to be directly related to the Veteran's active duty. The claims were denied on a direct basis.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied the remaining issues due to lack of evidence or clear and unmistakable evidence of preexisting conditions.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate and additional development is needed to determine if any current left knee, right knee, or left shoulder disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure that his service-connected Crohn's disease, left knee strain with crepitus, and right knee strain with crepitus are evaluated appropriately.