Knee Board decisions

The Board has determined that the remand directives were not substantially complied with, and thus another remand is required. The Veteran's left knee disability remains under review for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of left knee disability and pes planus were denied as there are no prior VA treatment records showing an intent to apply for benefits. The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for bilateral pes planus were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and determinations.,His left knee disability, including aortic root dilation and aneurysm associated with hypertension, is rated under DCs 7007 and 4.104.

The Veteran's bilateral knee chondromalacia patella disabilities are rated at 20% each, reflecting moderate instability.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his left knee disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by chondromalacia patella and degenerative arthritis, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the pain causing functional impairment warrants a 10 percent rating but not higher.

The Veteran's breathing problems, left knee condition, and right knee condition are being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine their relationship to service.,Service connection for hearing loss is also being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for left knee tendonitis and irritable bowel syndrome, finding that no claim was received within a year of his discharge date.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain medical records from facilities in Kelsey, Texas and Katy, Texas where the Veteran received treatment for his right knee disorder. The claim will be reconsidered with a possible VA examination if new evidence is submitted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee and left shoulder disabilities, finding that these conditions are related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee and low back disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to December 1, 2014. The issue of TDIU is denied as the evidence does not show that his disabilities preclude him from securing and maintaining gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee, jaw, back and neck disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during service. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his right knee strain and instability are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU rating due to pending development.

The Board has identified new evidence that was not previously considered and has ordered the AOJ to review this evidence. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded so that the AOJ can consider all of the evidence, including the newly added VA-generated documents.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU from November 1, 2007 to March 24, 2015 due to service-connected right total knee arthropathy and left medial hemiarthroplasty. The Board found the economic component of the claim was met as the Veteran had earned income below the federal poverty threshold during this period.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection of left and right knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence, including a lack of timely VA examination. The case is sent back for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for a bilateral hip disability, bilateral knee disability, and right great toe disability due to inadequate VA examinations in March 2015. The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine disability is also being considered as potentially causing or aggravating these disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.