Knee decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new examinations and the obtaining of relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are not related to his active duty service, and therefore denied these claims.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining medical records and examining his employability given his service-connected disabilities. His claims for secondary psychiatric disorder and increased ratings are also pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability aggravated his left knee disability. The claim will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between his in-service injury and current disability, as well as no chronicity of symptoms within one year post-service.

The Board denied service connection for GERD, arthritis of the right knee and leg, and bilateral flat feet. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Parkinson's disease and related conditions, necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person prior to December 11, 2014.

The Board has determined that the VA examination and medical opinions are inadequate, and thus a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate examination and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's low back and bilateral knee disorders.

The Veteran's knee and ankle conditions have been rated based on their current functional limitations, with the right knee receiving a 10 percent rating for instability and the right ankle receiving a 10 percent rating. The ratings are considered appropriate given the Veteran's symptoms and physical findings.

The Veteran's low back disorder and joint pain have been granted service connection.,Service connection has been established for left shoulder, lumbar spine, left hip, right thigh, left knee, and right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his service-connected left knee total replacement with degenerative joint disease was granted, and he is now receiving the maximum available rating of 60 percent. The appeal regarding his fracture of the left tibia prior to June 8, 2010, remains pending.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 30 percent since July 1, 2016. The left knee disability remains rated as 10 percent.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including the one-year temporary total rating following his arthroplasty and a separate 20% rating for instability after November 23, 2016, is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension, migraine headaches, bilateral eye disability, and left knee disability are not related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded her from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with her education and experience prior to July 31, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left thumb partial amputation and patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee were denied. The current ratings are considered appropriate based on the evidence provided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disorder, diagnosed as osteoarthritis, status post total knee replacement, in both knees, is related to his period of active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's periods of active duty for training and to obtain a VA examination regarding his left knee condition and lung condition. The claims are being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not resulted in permanent and total disability that would qualify him for specially adapted housing or home adaptation grant.