Knee decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination and consideration of updated medical records. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee disability is pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing VA and private treatment records, as well as any SSA disability benefits information. The Veteran is also asked to identify any other medical providers who treated him for his hip and knee disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 20 percent for instability, 10 percent each for meniscectomy residuals and severe arthritis with painful motion, and 30 percent for limitation of extension. The claim for TDIU prior to September 4, 2015 is granted.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and opinions are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection due to the lack of consideration of relevant medical history and lay statements.

The Veteran's claims for low back, left knee, and left hand disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development. The right knee disability rating issue is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's right knee disabilities, including those caused by his right knee meniscectomy. The issue will be readjudicated after completion of this development.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate rationale provided in a previous VA examination and for additional development of the Veteran's left knee disability.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities starting from July 18, 2014. His combined disability rating of at least one 40% rated condition and a total schedular rating makes him eligible for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if her left knee disability is secondary to her service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's left knee disability is found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease. His lumbar spine disability has been granted a full grant of the benefit sought on appeal.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of a left hip or left knee disability, and thus the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea and left knee disability were not incurred in service, and thus denied his claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of the left and right knees are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability and diabetes mellitus, type II, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board determined that there was insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is currently manifested by flexion to no worse than 75 degrees and extension to no worse than 10 degrees, with complaints of pain, swelling, and a feeling of instability. However, diagnoses of instability, subluxation or dislocation have not been shown.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his exposure to extreme cold during active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran's right leg/knee disability is not caused by or worsened by his service-connected left knee disability, and thus denied the claim for secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine, lumbar spine, bilateral hip, bilateral knee, and left shoulder disabilities are the result of injuries sustained during service, including multiple parachute jumps. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA medical records and a need for an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left knee disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling examinations and obtaining medical records. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated based on the additional evidence.