Knee decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current knee, ankle and toe disabilities are not related to his service-connected right thigh gunshot wound. The VA examiner concluded that the osteoarthritis is more likely due to his age, obesity and occupational history.

The Veteran's service-connected left leg disability, including knee and ankle conditions, has been rated at 20 percent since October 5, 2007.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right foot disability, low back disability, and left knee disability. The Board found that the current disabilities were not related to his in-service injuries or conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate reasons or bases in a previous decision, and will afford the Veteran the benefit of doubt regarding his left knee disability. The Veteran is also afforded another opportunity to provide information for VA to obtain treatment records from private physicians. Increased ratings and TDIU issues are also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee, left thigh, and left big toe disabilities are related to service. The appeal is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal concerning the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to February 14, 2012 for left knee arthritis and in excess of 30 percent from April 1, 2014 to June 11, 2014 and 50 percent since June 12, 2014 for left total knee replacement.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder is not related to service or a service-connected disability, and his left knee disorder claim was withdrawn. The appeal for service connection for a left knee disorder is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to conflicting medical opinions and additional development is required.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to clarify diagnoses and obtain relevant medical records.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with a 20 percent rating for right knee arthritis and limitation of extension prior to September 30, 2010. He also received an increased rating for his total right knee arthroplasty from November 1, 2011 onwards, and TDIU prior to April 9, 2013.

Throughout the entire appeal period, the Veteran's left knee laxity has been manifested by complaints of pain and no more than mild instability. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including schizophrenia, left knee injuries, and back strain, did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to October 1, 1999.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his left knee disability. The right knee issue remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference hearing. The issues of rating for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for asthma, service connection for a bilateral knee condition, and service connection for sleep apnea are pending.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including a right ankle condition and its secondary effects on his knees, hips, back, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board will review the evidence to determine if new and material evidence has been submitted and to decide whether these claims should be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals due to his inability to attend the previously scheduled hearing on October 15, 2015. The issues include service connection for right knee disability, residuals of fractured fibula (claimed as secondary), and right shoulder disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left wrist disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and increased ratings for his right knee disability and distal index finger disability. The Veteran's current disabilities were not found to be related to service or due to any other compensable basis.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability as secondary to his service-connected right knee. The low back disability is rated at 20 percent, which represents a grant of the benefit sought.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a disability rating of 70 percent, effective from May 5, 2009 to July 25, 2013. The Veteran's other claims have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability and assigned a non-compensable rating, but denied the claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss.