Knee decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal was denied for entitlement to increased evaluations for right knee instability. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of moderate or severe instability, warranting higher ratings.

The Veteran's stomach condition was found to have initially manifested during service, and the Board granted service connection for peptic ulcer disease. The issues of left knee disability and neurological disabilities affecting the lower extremities are referred back to the AOJ due to a separate claim for low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability. The issues of entitlement to higher ratings for the right knee disability and TDIU prior to November 24, 2009 are also being referred to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration.

The Veteran's right knee disability is found to be proximately due to his service-connected left knee disability. The Board grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and examinations for the Veteran's claims, including those related to his right shoulder disorder, eye disorder, lower back injury, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, and TBI.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee and lumbar spine disabilities have been denied. The Board finds that the current disability ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Board has received notification that the Veteran wishes to withdraw his appeals for service connection of right and left knee injuries. As a result, the appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Board video conference hearing at a location proximate to his current domicile.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development to determine the severity of his service-connected cervical spine spondylosis, lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, bilateral shoulder disorder (claimed as Degenerative Joint Disease), bilateral knee disorder (claimed as Degenerative Joint Disease), bilateral plantar fasciitis, and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran also needs a new examination to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature, onset, and etiology of any diagnosed conditions. The appellant's service connection claims will be readjudicated after the additional development is completed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new VA examination of the Veteran's right knee disability and readjudication of the issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination regarding his right knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease was granted a rating of 60 percent effective June 20, 2012. The Veteran is not entitled to higher ratings for his other conditions.

The Veteran is unemployable due to her service-connected major depressive disorder, low back strain with sciatica, right knee retropatellar pain syndrome with arthritis, right hip bursitis, right hip limitation of extension, and right hip limitation of flexion; all of which are a combined rating of 80 percent disabling.

The Veteran's initial disability rating of 10 percent for right knee arthritis from September 1, 2005 to November 14, 2006 and from January 1, 2007 was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected knee and back disabilities are not sufficiently incapacitating to prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a hearing with the Veteran.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a right knee or right shoulder disability present in service, and the Veteran's current conditions are not linked to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of consideration of the Veteran's in-service knee injury and post-service medical history.