Knee decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for his right knee disability and a TDIU. The case is being remanded to the AOJ for initial consideration of new evidence, including a possible right total knee replacement.

The Board denied an increased rating for right knee disability and service connection for hip arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions did not warrant a higher rating or service connection based on his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral DJD of the elbows, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to in-service degenerative changes. Service connection was denied for other conditions as they are not shown to be directly related to service or secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is capable of performing the physical and mental acts required by employment.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed left knee degenerative joint disease is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability, and thus denies the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for right hip, left knee, and right knee disabilities were previously denied due to lack of evidence showing a relationship with service.,Service connection for the heart disability was also denied as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence that it existed prior to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis has been characterized by symptoms including joint pain, locking, effusion, and painful motion. A separate 10 percent disability rating for instability of the right knee from July 5, 2017 was granted.,From June 3, 2008, the Veteran's right knee has demonstrated slight instability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and left knee disability. The reopened claims are being remanded to further develop the evidence.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus.

The Veteran's left knee tendonitis is now rated at 20 percent, effective September 3, 2015. Her herniated disc of the lumbar spine with osteoporosis is also rated at 20 percent, effective November 6, 2014.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are being remanded for additional development, including an updated VA examination to assess the current severity of his conditions. The appeal is currently in a remanded status.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to obtain updated evaluations for his right knee condition and TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of her left knee disability, gastrointestinal (GI) condition(s), and PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy of multiple extremities and knees. The decision found that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service and concluded that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities are each rated at the minimum compensable level. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the maximum available rating.

The case is being remanded for further action regarding the DIC and service connection claims, as well as the increased rating claim for the right knee disability. The appellant's status as a valid substitute will determine whether an SOC should be issued for the increased rating claim.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a right knee disability, including iliotibial band syndrome. The Board finds that additional development is needed to verify the dates of service and obtain any outstanding medical records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claim for a right knee strain and finds that new evidence supports this claim.,The Veteran is granted service connection for his right knee strain, with no specific rating assigned at this time.

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding no evidence of onset during or within one year after service. The Veteran's current osteoarthritis was attributed to his years of naval service.,Service connection for COPD was also denied as the Board found no direct link between the Veteran's military service and his condition.