Knee decisions — 2016

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his right wrist disability. The claims of service connection for bilateral shoulder pain, mild degenerative facet joints with chronic low back strain, and bilateral knee strain are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee and back disabilities are not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records, conduct new orthopedic and psychiatric examinations, and adjudicate the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to the need for new and material evidence, as well as for obtaining additional medical records. The Veteran's bilateral knee and hip disabilities are being evaluated in relation to his service-connected DISH of the lumbar spine.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's foot and knee disabilities, as well as his lumbar spine disability, are not currently addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the loss of use of both lower extremities, precluding locomotion without the aid of a left leg brace and right prosthetic leg or wheelchair. The Board has awarded specially adapted housing due to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as he did not have a current diagnosis of hearing loss. His claim for an initial compensable evaluation for left knee strain is remanded due to the need for additional examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's left leg disability, to include her left knee, did not originate in service or within a year of service and is not otherwise etiologically related to her active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, records review, and clarification of certain issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an updated VA examination and the acquisition of any outstanding VA treatment records. The TDIU claim will also be developed on remand.

The Board has ordered a remand for further development of the Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory disorder and bilateral knee disorder. The case will be returned to the Board after additional evidence is obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his right knee disability and obtain any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and bilateral knee disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of such during service. The Board also noted that any current conditions are more likely due to post-service activities.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee, left ankle, and psychiatric disabilities do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for left knee arthritis prior to August 16, 2010 was denied by the Board.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause incapacity that requires regular aid and assistance of another person to dress, perform basic hygiene tasks such as bathing, and to protect him from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment. The Board finds the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance have been met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral knee replacements and coronary artery disease, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 6, 2001.

The Veteran's right knee disability is found to be related to his service-connected left knee disability. The Board granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for degenerative joint disease of the right knee.