Knee decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran's current osteoarthritis of the right knee is not related to his military service and denied the claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and a respiratory disorder, to include asthma. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his period of active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee conditions and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbosacral spine and right knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities have been rated based on limitation of motion and degenerative joint disease. The current ratings are found to be appropriate.,The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's knee disabilities have been rated based on their service-connected nature, with the right knee receiving a rating of 10 percent effective March 17, 2004. The left knee has received separate ratings for its different conditions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to service and the Board finds that she has a current diagnosis of this condition. The other psychiatric disorders are not currently addressed as they were not specifically mentioned in her claims or during the hearing.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as an addendum opinion on the left eye disability.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis was manifested by limitation of flexion and painful motion prior to October 4, 2013. The Board found the criteria for an initial 10 percent disability rating for residuals of a right knee injury for the period prior to October 4, 2013, have been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left knee disability and its potential impact on his lupus. The Veteran also requested an increase in rating for his left knee disability.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new examination. The other claims are also being remanded as no SOC has been issued.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left and right knee/leg disabilities are not related to service, including exposure to cold injuries. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability and left knee degenerative joint disease were found to not warrant an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent.,A TDIU was also denied as the Veteran does not have a single disability rated at 60 percent or a combined disability rating of 70 percent with one disability rated at 40 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed hand, knee, or prostate disability. The VA examinations did not find any evidence of these conditions and the Veteran's assertions were not supported by medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate addendum opinions and further development is required.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a combined effects medical opinion and consideration of all evidence of record.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection. The left knee disability, including instability and post-operative residuals, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating before January 29, 2013, from June 11, 2008 to March 1, 2014, or after March 1, 2014. The Veteran's PTSD met the criteria for a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his left knee disorder and review of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no current disability. The Veteran's residual scar from knee surgery has been rated as non-compensable due to lack of painful or unstable characteristics.