Knee decisions — 2017

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a right knee disorder and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status. The case is being remanded to obtain medical opinions regarding the relationship between his service-connected diabetes mellitus and any chronic right knee disability, as well as whether he meets the criteria for SMC.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant private treatment records and securing VA examinations to address his claims.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for earlier effective date and increased rating for right leg sciatic sensory neuropathy with right ankle motor weakness, as well as service connection for bilateral hip and knee disabilities.

The Veteran's right and left knee prostheses have been granted a 60 percent rating each, effective January 10, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, consideration of new evidence, and clarification on the relationship between his current disabilities and service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated at 20 percent prior to December 10, 2014. After a review of the evidence, including VA examinations and treatment records, the Board found that his symptoms warranted a higher rating up to 50 percent (less the 10 percent preservice percentage). The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted a 40 percent rating effective December 10, 2014.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by arthritis and instability, is currently rated at 10 percent. The rating has been granted for the entire appeal period.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current right and/or left knee disability, as well as whether it is at least as likely as not related to service. The Veteran's testimony regarding injuries sustained during service will be considered in this assessment.

The Veteran's appeal was granted for service connection of PTSD with depression. Other claims were not resolved in his favor.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a Decision Review Officer (DRO) hearing, as no such hearing has been scheduled yet. The Veteran's request for a DRO hearing was submitted in January 2016 but no hearing date has been provided.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are severe enough to warrant Category I status for self-employment, but the evidence does not show that all traditional employment goals other than self-employment are unsuitable due to his disabilities. Therefore, the appeal is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination and to ensure the SSOC was sent to his latest address of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hand and right knee conditions did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (including MDD, PTSD, and anxiety disorder), sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, colon polyps, bilateral hand disorder (thumb arthritis), CTS of the upper extremities, and right ear hearing loss are related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of entitlement to an increased rating for a left knee disability due to additional development being required, including obtaining post-service medical records from Tinker Air Force Base and scheduling another VA examination.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issue of service connection for a left knee condition, and thus the Board dismisses this claim.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right wrist, knee, and ankle disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disorder and bilateral knee disorder, finding that there is no causal relationship between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including arthritis and a meniscus tear, is currently rated at 10 percent for limited range of motion and instability. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an increased rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.