Knee decisions — 2017

The Veteran's right knee flexion and extension conditions have not been shown to meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, as his range of motion has consistently been nearly normal.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling error for an examination and notification of the examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinions and other procedural issues.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated at 10 percent since July 2002. The December 2016 VA examination found slight joint instability, flexion limited to more than 60 degrees, extension limited to less than 5 degrees, arthritis without occasional incapacitating exacerbations, and pain.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of left knee disability, service connection for a lumbar spine disability secondary to his left knee disability, and service connection for bilateral hip disability secondary to his left knee disability have all been denied.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for her left knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for joint pain in the shoulders, knees, and ankles as due to an undiagnosed illness. The Veteran's right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome is rated at 10 percent, effective September 21, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Statement of the Case and scheduling of a videoconference hearing.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen her service connection for a right knee disability and determined that she is entitled to service connection based on evidence showing that her current condition first manifested during service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for arthritis of various joints. The Board finds that additional development is necessary to address the nature and etiology of her current arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee and right hip disorders are caused by his service-connected lumbar spine disability, resulting in a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his right knee disability. The issue of service connection for a left knee disability remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity as to preclude substantially gainful employment, and thus grants entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant requesting withdrawal of his claims for service connection and increased evaluations. The Veteran is entitled to a total disability evaluation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right knee, left knee, and left ankle disabilities. The matter of TDIU is also inextricably intertwined with the currently open claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right hip condition and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present right and left knee disabilities, as they may be related to the Veteran's active service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and left knee strain are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and any relevant private medical records.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 50 percent for bilateral hearing loss and an initial increased rating for right cartilage loss and degenerative joint disease status post total knee replacement as these issues are final based on the January 2013 decision. The AOJ should issue a Statement of the Case regarding the latter issue.