Knee decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee conditions did not manifest in service and are not etiologically related to her period of active duty. The claim was denied as there is no evidence linking her current disabilities to her military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disorders are not related to his service-connected DJD of the right hip. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the Veteran. As a result, no decision can be made on these issues.

The October 1961 right knee surgery did not result in additional disability, and the Veteran's current condition is due to his pre-existing fracture.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional examinations and review of the expanded record. The issues include service connection for neck, left knee, and right knee disabilities as well as an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to evaluate the current nature and extent of all impairment due to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, bilateral knee condition, and bilateral plantar fasciitis. The claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his psychiatric disability, preclude him from substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed respiratory disability and denied service connection for this condition. The Board also did not find any evidence of asbestos exposure during service, which was necessary to establish service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and conflicting psychiatric diagnoses. The Veteran's claims for PTSD and left knee disability will be further evaluated.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as unspecified bipolar disorder, is found to be at least as likely as not incurred during service. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to address his claims of service connection for right knee disability and initial compensable evaluation for cervicogenic headaches.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and amputation of the right leg below the knee due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, despite the Veteran's presumption of exposure. The claim was also denied under a secondary service connection theory as the amputation is related to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hip and knee conditions are being remanded for additional development to determine if they are related to his service-connected foot disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for a left elbow disorder, left knee disorder, or throat scarring.

The appeal is REMANDED to the AOJ for further development of the issues, including a new examination and issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) with respect to certain claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left ankle disability, lumbar spine disability, or right knee disability. The evidence of record is against finding service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's sciatica and acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) were not found to be related to his service. The Board denied the claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, and the combined evaluation of his service-connected disabilities remains at 60 percent. The propriety of the combined rating is denied.