Knee decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected left hip and left knee disabilities have been rated based on limitation of motion, with a combined rating of 10 percent. The Board has found no basis for higher or separate ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating and it is reasonably shown that, by virtue of his service-connected disabilities, he is unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that there is not sufficient evidence to support the Veteran's claim of asbestosis, and thus service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to a decision being made by the Board.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee disabilities, with initial noncompensable ratings assigned prior to May 24, 2016. Effective May 24, 2016, the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are rated at 10 percent each.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability is not related to his active service and therefore denies his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for limitation of right and left knee flexion have been granted at a 10 percent rating effective February 12, 2013. The initial disability ratings for limitation of right and left knee extension were also granted at a 0 percent rating effective December 29, 2011.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the appeal can be decided, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for his right knee scar and service connection for a left knee condition secondary to the right knee scar have been dismissed as he has withdrawn both claims.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral knee condition is related to his military service, and has ordered additional VA examinations and records.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn by his representative during a May 2017 Board hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and adjudication. The issues include seeking higher evaluations for her right knee conditions.

The Veteran's left knee disability has been rated at 100% since November 21, 2016. The Board granted a higher rating based on the severity of his condition following left knee replacement.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations and consideration of lay evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the cause of the Veteran's death and whether his service-connected disabilities contributed substantially or materially to it. The appellant must provide any outstanding private treatment records, including those from North Shore University Hospital at Southside and a nursing home where the Veteran received care after being discharged from the hospital.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the disability rating for degenerative joint disease of the right knee from 20 percent to 10 percent was improper due to an inadequate examination report.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development of records related to the Veteran's knee and shoulder injuries.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of records. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to deficiencies in the examination reports and remand directives.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to obtain the appropriate range of motion testing and an update on his medical treatment records.