Knee decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to the Veteran's right knee disability, including a need for an addendum opinion and additional VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back, left knee, right foot, and left foot disabilities are not service-connected as they did not manifest during active service or due to a service-connected disability. The VA examinations indicated these conditions were more likely related to natural aging processes rather than service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings have been adjudicated in multiple decisions, resulting in a mixed disposition. The initial rating for Scheuermann's disease and dorsolumbar strain has not met the criteria for an increased evaluation, while the left knee extension claim is pending with respect to the period prior to September 15, 2011.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities were denied. Service connection for eustachian tube dysfunction was also addressed but the appeal is not before the Board.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on several conditions and special monthly compensation (SMC) have been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's back disability is determined to be related to his military service and the claim for service connection will be granted. The Veteran also has a current rating of anxiety disorder, currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling, and a right knee disorder rated as noncompensable.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and left knee disorder. The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions are supported by medical evidence, and his statements regarding in-service noise exposure and injury have been found credible. Service connection is granted for both conditions as they are considered to be directly related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, Sjögren's Syndrome, skin disorder, obstructive lung disease/bronchial asthma (pulmonary disorder), and allergic disorder have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, the Board cannot determine whether these claims are well-grounded or meritorious at this time.,The Veteran has submitted new and material evidence in support of her claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, Sjögren's Syndrome, skin disorder, obstructive lung disease/bronchial asthma (pulmonary disorder), and allergic disorder. The Board will now review these claims on their merits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for the scheduling of a Travel Board hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's bilateral elbow impingement with osteoarthritis and cubital tunnel syndrome, as well as his bilateral knee condition, are found to be related to military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest available evaluation of 70 percent.,The Veteran's fatigue, headaches, muscle aches and pains, tingling of limbs, poor concentration, mood and sleep disorder, respiratory condition, low grade fevers, and boils are considered to be manifestations of an undiagnosed illness due to his Gulf War service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle and left knee disabilities are related to his service, granting entitlement to service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied multiple times, and no new or material evidence has been received to reopen any of the previously denied claims.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral knee pain is presumed to have been incurred in active service due to his service in Southwest Asia, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be fully adjudicated. This includes obtaining VA treatment records, providing an addendum opinion from the November 2014 examiner, and reviewing the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case to schedule a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has a current left knee disability and whether it relates to his military service. The Veteran is advised that he may submit any evidence supporting the occurrence or onset of left knee pain in service.

The Board has remanded the case for a new medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disorder due to an inadequate July 2011 VA examination report. The appeal is now pending and will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in unemployability throughout the appellate period.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for right shoulder and left knee disabilities have been withdrawn, effectively dismissing the appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disorder is not linked to active duty service, including in-service complaints. The evidence does not show a link between his military service and any current back condition.,For his left knee disability, the VA examiner opined that the degenerative changes observed during the examination were not related to the Veteran's military service.