Knee decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected Raynaud's phenomenon is rated at 40 percent, and she is granted TDIU based on her combined rating of 80 percent. She does not meet the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed bilateral shoulder, knee, and low back disorders. The case will be returned to the AOJ after completion of the requested actions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU prior to April 7, 2010. The combined rating was less than 70% and none of her conditions were rated at 60%. She worked through 2009 and had limitations due to her disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration of new evidence, including a DRO hearing transcript. The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral ankle disability are pending.

The Veteran's left knee residuals of gunshot wound with retained foreign body are rated at 10 percent based on musculoskeletal symptoms, and the criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal as he has passed away.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the left knee is being remanded due to conflicting medical findings and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations and the provision of all pertinent records.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and his lumbosacral strain with sciatica is also rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that the current ratings adequately compensate for the Veteran's symptoms.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his service-connected left pectoralis major injury and right knee patellar tendonitis were denied as the Veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's right knee condition is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his left knee injury.

The Veteran's service-connected left heel spurs and left knee patellofemoral syndrome have been rated at the minimum noncompensable level. The Board has determined that a compensable rating is warranted for both conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have its onset in service and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The left and right knee disorders are not currently linked to service.

Your claims for service connection for back and bilateral knee disorders have been dismissed as there is no longer a case or controversy pending before the Board.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's left knee disability was pre-existing and not aggravated by service, or if it is at least as likely as not due to his period of active service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of right or left knee disorders, and there is no evidence linking his claimed left foot disorder to service. The claim for service connection on all three issues (right knee, left knee, and left foot) has been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private and VA treatment records, scheduling the Veteran for a VA spine examination, and providing an additional VA examination of the knees, right wrist, and left hand.