Knee decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service. The issue of secondary service connection for a left knee disability was also addressed, but as the Veteran's right knee disability is not service-connected, this secondary claim cannot be granted. The issue of service connection for a back disability is being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal includes a request for an initial compensable evaluation and a TDIU. The RO has awarded service connection for right knee disability, but the Veteran is seeking higher evaluations and a TDIU due to his condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities. However, these claims are being remanded as additional development is needed before a final determination can be made.

The reduction of the Veteran's asthma disability rating from 60% to 30% is found to be improper and thus void ab initio. The Board also denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU, finding that his disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders, but remanded to obtain a new VA examination to address the relationship between her current bilateral knee, hip, and low back conditions and her service-connected bilateral ankle disability.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeal regarding the claim of service connection for right leg nerve damage, leaving no pending issues.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability. The Board also finds that the Veteran's current right knee disability is secondary to his service-connected left TKA, status post revision.

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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to the Veteran's left knee and ankle disabilities, including a need for an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including her right knee condition and associated left knee replacement, have prevented her from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with her education and occupational experience prior to September 1, 2010.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis is rated at 10 percent since July 15, 2010. The Veteran's left knee arthritis is also rated at 10 percent since July 15, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran's myofascial pain syndrome and arch disability were not related to his service-connected disabilities, including his right ankle condition. The conditions are considered secondary to these service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate compliance with previous remands and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are at least as likely as not etiologically related to his active service. The Board finds that the evidence for and against the claim is at least in equipoise, and therefore, entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee disability is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee condition. However, the claim remains denied as there is no medical evidence establishing a nexus between the current left knee meniscus tear and service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is proximately due to his service-connected left ankle disability, and the Board finds in favor of granting service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of service connection for a right knee disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his previously denied claim. The Board also found that the appellant did not have a pre-existing condition in his right knee prior to his period of active duty training (ACDUTRA), and thus could not establish aggravation during service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder and granted it, finding that there is at least as likely as not that his current osteoarthritis of the right knee is related to his active service.

The Veteran's left knee disability is being remanded for further examination and determination of whether it pre-existed service or was aggravated by service.