Knee decisions — 2017

The Veteran's partial anterior cruciate ligament tear of the left knee is currently rated at 20 percent, and his gastrointestinal disorder (claimed as GERD) and gallbladder removal are not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his right knee disability and another opportunity to obtain relevant treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing before the RO. The issues of service connection and increased rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not show that his disabilities warranted higher initial ratings prior to the effective dates assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and readjudication of the claims. The AOJ will consider all evidence received since the last Supplemental Statements of the Case (SSOC) in conjunction with prior evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral knee and ankle disorders have been rated based on their current severity, with the left knee receiving a higher rating due to its more severe symptoms.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disorder and a left foot disorder, finding that these conditions are already service-connected as part of his diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy.

The Board found that the right and left knee disabilities are adequately contemplated by the schedular rating criteria, and no referral for extraschedular consideration is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee, left knee, and low back disabilities are not service-connected as they were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral pes planus with hammertoes and keratoderma (callosities) of both feet.

The Veteran's right knee scars are rated based on their functional impact and area. The painful scar is currently rated at 10 percent, while the two nonlinear scars remain noncompensable.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee condition and left knee arthritis are not related to his active service.,Both conditions were diagnosed after service, and there is no evidence of a nexus between these disabilities and any in-service injury or event.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee Osgood-Schlatter disease, sleep apnea, and visual disability due to lack of current diagnoses or evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for an extraschedular rating for his left knee disability is denied.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU as of September 23, 2013, is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including COPD, right shoulder and hand disabilities, and hypertension, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to dress, feed himself, prepare meals, or bathe without assistance.

The Board denied service connection for right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and splenectomy as the evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and need for medical opinions.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability and sleep apnea were found to be incurred in active service, including periods of active duty for training. The Board granted the claims.