Knee decisions — 2017

The Veteran's surgical scar on his right knee and status post fracture of the right ring finger have been evaluated as noncompensable. The Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted for either condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability that is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected left leg length discrepancy. The Veteran's right knee disability remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee and back disorders are as likely as not caused by his service-connected left ankle disability, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the issue of TDIU due to ongoing appeal on initial ratings for service-connected disabilities, including right hip and knee disabilities. The RO is instructed to issue a statement of the case addressing these issues before proceeding with further adjudication.

The appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical examinations and for further development of the claims.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not of sufficient severity to produce unemployability without regard to advancing age or non-service connected disabilities.

The VA examiner found no right knee diagnosis and concluded that the Veteran's current right knee condition is not related to her service. The Board therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and right and left knee chondromalacia, finding that there is no evidence to support his assertions of in-service onset or relationship to service.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for a left shoulder disorder, arthritis of the left knee, and arthritis of the right knee. The evidence submitted did not demonstrate that these conditions began in or were caused by military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, right knee disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The Board found no in-service incurrence or continuity of symptoms since separation from service, and there was insufficient evidence to establish a medical nexus between the disabilities and service.

The Veteran's mood disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from August 23, 2016. He also has other service-connected disabilities that meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU and he meets the statutory requirements for SMC based on housebound status.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service treatment records and a need for an updated VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's claimed service-connected disorders.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, nerve condition in the left arm to include in the left wrist, bilateral shoulder disability, and bilateral knee disability were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by painful motion and instability, does not warrant a rating in excess of the assigned 10 percent ratings prior to May 4, 2006.

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that the current conditions are not related to active military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability and its relationship to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for TDIU as of December 4, 2015. The claims for increased ratings for right knee disability and bilateral hearing loss are pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to issues with the rationale provided in previous decisions and the submission of new evidence.