Knee decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not of such severity as to preclude substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience during the appeal period.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for increased ratings of his right knee disability and NSAID-induced colitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The Board also found that any current knee disabilities are not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected ankle disabilities.

The appellant withdrew her appeals for the claims of service connection for left knee chondromalacia with a history of left meniscectomy, low back strain and degenerative disc disease as secondary to the left knee disorder, chloracne on the back, shoulders, and lower abdomen, and hearing loss in the left ear.

The Veteran's left knee disability was found to not meet the criteria for an increased rating prior to September 3, 2013. From November 1, 2014 onwards, he is rated at 30 percent for status post total left knee replacement.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including new examinations for hypertension and knee disabilities.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a current left knee disability and concluded that the Veteran's claimed left knee condition did not begin during service or due to her service-connected right knee disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right and left knee disorders are not related to his active duty service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of an injury to both knees and residuals of a back injury are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Veteran wishes to withdraw his appeal regarding the reopening of a claim for service connection for a left knee disorder.

The Board has determined that a VA examination and medical opinion are needed to properly adjudicate the claim for service connection of a right knee disability, as there is insufficient competent medical evidence on file.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a supplemental opinion from an examiner regarding his right knee disability and a review of his service treatment records.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD and his bilateral shoulder disability. His neck, upper back, hand, knee, and ankle disabilities are not related to active service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a technical issue with the transcript of his previous hearing. He will be scheduled for another Travel Board hearing at the RO in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and review of his claims, including the relationship between his right knee osteoarthritis and his service-connected right foot disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain relevant treatment records from Carolinas Rehabilitation-University, and the case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment as of August 23, 2016. His TDIU claim is granted effective from that date.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

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

The Board has determined that additional VA treatment records and a VA examination are needed before the claim can be decided.