Knee decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder, diagnosed as status post right knee replacement, is at least as likely as not due to his in-service injuries. The claims for diabetes mellitus type II and skin cancer are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee meniscal tear, status post arthroplasty, with arthritis. The Veteran's claim of secondary service connection for a left knee disability is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including loss of use of the right upper extremity and left knee conditions, necessitate regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA medical examination to assess the current severity of his knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to address whether any left knee disability is related to service or secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability. The examiner must consider and discuss two private physician opinions from 2009.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete actions and need for clarification of opinions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorders did not have their onset during active duty service or within one year of discharge, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The VA examiners provided opinions against the claims based on the lack of in-service trauma or injury leading to arthritis.

The Veteran's left leg tibia fracture and left knee subluxation were rated at 10 percent prior to August 21, 2013. From August 21, 2013 to February 21, 2017, the Veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for his left knee subluxation and 10 percent ratings for both limitation of extension and flexion. Since February 22, 2017, he has been rated at 30 percent for limitation of flexion.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, but finds that new and material evidence does not establish service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not cause unemployability, and the Board finds that TDIU is not warranted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral below-the-knee amputations, but the claims are denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service-connected diabetes mellitus or coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left leg disorder, right knee disorder, and psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn by his representative.

The Board has granted a one-year, 100 percent disability rating for prosthesis replacement of the right knee joint effective November 15, 2011.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and opinions regarding his spinal stenosis, right knee arthritis, left knee arthritis, and chronic sinusitis with headaches.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's depressive disorder has not resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, as required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to determine if he received proper notice of a VA examination and for other indicated development.