Knee decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records. The case will be returned to the Board after obtaining all relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's left knee disability and his service. The VA examiner failed to consider the Veteran's lay statements about in-service injury, nor did they provide a rationale for their conclusion that there is no link between the current condition and service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination to assess his left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of current diagnosis for a bilateral knee disorder and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have initially manifested during service and has continued intermittently since then, meeting the criteria for service connection under presumptive provisions.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is not found to be related to his service-connected right ankle disability, and thus secondary service connection for the right knee disorder is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder is related to service and grants service connection for a right total knee replacement.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for left knee replacement, bilateral hearing loss, and lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development of medical records.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his conditions did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent for the periods prior to February 27, 2006.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disability and bilateral knee disabilities are not related to service or a service-connected condition, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case to the VA's Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration of the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.321(b)(1). The RO is asked to ensure that the opinion considers the Veteran's complete disability picture with respect to his left knee in determining whether he is entitled to an extraschedular evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability and right knee disability, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or chronic condition that could be linked to the current disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a sexual dysfunction disorder due to lack of evidence showing its onset during or related to active service. The Veteran's claim was reopened based on new and material evidence, but the Board found no link between his current bilateral elbow, wrist, and knee disorders and his military service.,Service connection was not granted for bilateral elbow, wrist, and knee disorders as there is no evidence of a chronic disability in service or within one year post-service. The Veteran's reported symptoms are not considered credible medical opinions.

The Veteran's hypertension and right knee disability are found to be secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his left knee disability is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in active service and the Board grants service connection for this disability.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain medical records, verify service dates and duty status, and ensure all claims are properly considered. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and the provision of a supplemental statement of the case (SOC). The issues include increased ratings for left knee disabilities, service connection for a left hip condition, and TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability, tinnitus, and bilateral knee disability are all service-connected. The decision also addresses a clothing allowance or fee dispute issue which is referred to the AOJ.