Knee decisions — 2017

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, colon cancer, an eye disability (presumably a pre-existing condition), hemorrhoids, non-allergic rhinitis, and knee disabilities. The Board also found that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for right leg varicose veins, chronic venous embolism, or deep vein thrombosis. Service connection has been granted for non-allergic rhinitis due to a service-connected deviated septum.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and earlier effective date for his service-connected chondromalacia of the left knee was granted. He is now rated at 10 percent disabling, effective October 18, 2010.

The Board found that the reductions in evaluations for residuals of a right knee injury and right knee scar from 10% to noncompensable were not proper, and thus void ab initio. The Veteran's appeal is granted on both issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left knee and left hip disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during his military service, and are not otherwise related to such. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board denied service connection for a right hip disorder, finding no current disability. However, the Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as her combined rating of 90% supports this decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee enthesopathy, finding that there is no nexus between his current disability and an in-service injury. The preponderance of evidence does not support a relationship.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's right knee DJD and instability are currently rated at the lowest possible levels (10 percent each), with no indication of more severe disability.,The Veteran has not been awarded a TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for right and left knee disabilities due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran will be provided new VA examinations that comply with Correia v. McDonald, 28 Vet. App. 158 (2016).

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed bilateral foot, left knee, left eye, and low back conditions did not have their onset in service or within one year of discharge. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disability was denied as he failed to report for a VA examination without good cause.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability and arthritis was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling issue and will schedule the Veteran for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current bilateral knee arthritis and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left knee disability, bronchitis, or pneumonia incurred in service. The acquired psychiatric disorder is denied as well.

The Board has determined that further action is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for VA examinations.

The Veteran's right knee condition has been granted service connection and assigned a zero percent rating.,Service connection for the left shoulder disability is pending, as new and material evidence has been received. The effective date of service connection will be determined upon finalization of this claim.,Service connection for the low back disability is pending, as new and material evidence has been received. The effective date of service connection will be determined upon finalization of this claim.,The Veteran's right foot arthritis has been granted service connection and assigned a zero percent rating.,Service connection for the right lower extremity neurological condition is pending, as new and material evidence has not yet been received. The effective date of service connection will be determined upon finalization of this claim.,The Veteran's hypertension has been granted service connection and assigned a 100 percent rating (the maximum available).,Service connection for the headaches is granted.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and Gulf War exposure-related conditions. The Board has remanded the case to schedule a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected right foot disability and left knee strain is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.