Knee decisions — 2017

The Veteran's left knee conditions have been rated based on their current manifestations, with the highest possible schedular ratings for each condition. The combined rating is currently at 60 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities do not warrant a higher evaluation as the evidence does not demonstrate severe limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current lumbar spine disorder, prostate disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, or heart disorder for which service connection can be granted.,As such, the claims of entitlement to service connection for these conditions are denied.

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

The Veteran's nephrolithiasis, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and left knee osteoarthritis have not been found to warrant a higher initial rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right knee disorder claim is pending. The Board has granted a rating of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability, and he now meets the criteria for TDIU prior to September 18, 2015. His right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for a higher rating for service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, and recurrent subluxation of the right knee. As such, these issues are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee and back disabilities, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including OCD and depression, is found to be related to service. The Veteran also has a lumbar spine disability rated at 20 percent as of June 1, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing low back disability was aggravated by active service, and therefore grants service connection for a low back disability. The knee issues are remanded as additional development is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inconsistencies in medical records and a need for clarification of the nature and severity of the Veteran's knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of several issues, including service connection claims related to various joints and a back disorder. The Veteran's claims are currently under review.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and inadequate examination. The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral knee, right wrist/hand, and right ankle disorders are being returned for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cardiac disorder and an increased rating for his left knee disability, finding that there was no evidence of a direct relationship to active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability is not related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine her eligibility for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease was incurred during his military service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the claimant.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, right knee condition, hernia, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, tooth decay and gum disease, and tinnitus are not etiologically related to service. The Veteran's tinnitus is etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis with meniscal tear, was found to warrant a 30 percent rating from March 28, 2016 onwards. The temporary total rating for the period prior to that date and the increased ratings after were granted.