Knee decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his right and left knee disabilities prior to specific dates have been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable due to his inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left and right knee disabilities are not etiologically related to her military service, nor were they caused or aggravated by any of her service-connected conditions. As a result, she was denied service connection for both knees.

The Veteran's bilateral eye disability is not service-connected as it is considered a refractive error, which is not a disease or injury for VA purposes. The right knee arthritis was also not incurred in service and is not proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for mechanical low back pain with facet arthropathy at L5-S1 was denied, but the Board granted a higher 40 percent rating effective October 18, 2012. The TDIU issue is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as the evidence did not establish a link between his current conditions and active service or secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disorder, specifically arthritis, is service-connected. For his obstructive lung disease claim, a VA examination was requested to determine if it had its onset during any period of service or is otherwise related to such periods.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of her service connection claims, including a medical review to determine the nature and onset of her musculoskeletal disorders.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination results and additional development is required.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of right and left knee conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PFS of the left knee was denied. The initial noncompensable rating prior to May 10, 2016 and the subsequent denial of a rating in excess of 10 percent since that date were upheld.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected conditions have been denied. The current ratings of 10 percent are maintained.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and development of records, including those from POH Clinic in Pontiac, Michigan.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee disability did not manifest in service or within the first post-service year, nor is it otherwise related to service. The Board also determined that the current right knee disability was not caused or aggravated by a service-connected left knee or thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Veteran had PTSD as a result of his military service and was rated at 50% for his right knee disability. The need for aid and attendance or housebound status is unknown due to the pending SMC claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee disability is not related to service or his service-connected left knee disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including bilateral elbow disability, back disability, bilateral knee disability, chest pain, lower extremity numbness, headaches, and insomnia. The decision concluded that these disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right and left hip disabilities, as well as his bilateral knee disability, did not manifest in service or within the first post-service year. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions. Service connection on a secondary basis is also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a supplemental opinion regarding the etiology of his knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated treatment records, particularly regarding his left knee.