Knee decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition, an initial rating higher than 10 percent for right knee degenerative arthritis, and an initial rating higher than 10 percent for left knee degenerative arthritis and internal derangement. The claim for a separate rating for left knee instability prior to January 4, 2016 was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him incapable of obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for a Travel Board hearing at the RO in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of entitlement to a separate rating for recurrent subluxation or instability of the right knee and entitlement to TDIU are intertwined.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his left knee medial meniscal tear and right knee DJD were granted, but the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted. The Veteran received a separate 10 percent rating for right knee instability prior to August 18, 2011.

The evidence does not show that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from June 25, 2010 to December 8, 2013.

The Veteran's left knee disability was evaluated at a 10 percent rating, based on painful motion. The evidence did not show limitation of motion to the extent that would warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disorder should be remanded due to inadequate medical opinion and need for further development.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for a VA orthopedist's opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed bilateral knee disorder, specifically addressing service records and private assessments.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is not related to her service or a service-connected condition, and therefore denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination and updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial rating higher than 10 percent for residuals of a right knee injury is pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The claims related to his service-connected lumbar fusion, left knee condition, and right knee condition are still pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypothyroidism was incurred during active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge appearing by live video teleconference (VTC).

The Board has decided that the case needs to be returned for additional development due to missing or incomplete records, and an addendum medical opinion is required regarding whether the Veteran's current knee, hip, and back disabilities are caused or permanently aggravated by his right ankle disorder.

The Veteran's right knee disability was found to be caused by an in-service disease, event, or injury and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations of his knees, ankles, and feet. The case will be returned for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete development and a need for an addendum VA medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and readjudication.