Knee Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a new VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability and right wrist disability are not service-connected as they were not incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's SNPA is not proximately caused or aggravated by her service-connected PTSD.,The Board has also determined that the Veteran's hypertension is proximately caused by her service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, as well as a TDIU prior to September 14, 2015, were granted. The right knee was rated at 30 percent disabling post-total knee replacement since January 12, 2016. The left knee DJD is rated at 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy were not found to be related to service or his service-connected lower back disability. The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 60 percent, but a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, as well as his claim for service connection for PTSD, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of PTSD in accordance with VA regulations.

The Veteran's right knee disorder was not manifest in service, is not attributable to service and is not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not precluded him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's in-service noise exposure is at least as likely as not related to his current condition. The remaining claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left knee disability, back disability, and neck disability are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for increased disability rating and eligibility for Dependents' Education Assistance benefits was granted. The appeal is denied as there was no valid notice of disagreement filed in connection with the August 2011 rating decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left shoulder disability and bilateral knee condition. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee degenerative joint disease, finding that the current condition is related to an injury sustained during service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD and found no evidence of service connection for a right or left knee disability. The issue of ischemic heart disease due to herbicide exposure remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service. The issue of secondary service connection for a left knee disability was also addressed, but as the Veteran's right knee disability is not service-connected, this secondary claim cannot be granted. The issue of service connection for a back disability is being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal includes a request for an initial compensable evaluation and a TDIU. The RO has awarded service connection for right knee disability, but the Veteran is seeking higher evaluations and a TDIU due to his condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities. However, these claims are being remanded as additional development is needed before a final determination can be made.

The reduction of the Veteran's asthma disability rating from 60% to 30% is found to be improper and thus void ab initio. The Board also denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU, finding that his disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders, but remanded to obtain a new VA examination to address the relationship between her current bilateral knee, hip, and low back conditions and her service-connected bilateral ankle disability.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeal regarding the claim of service connection for right leg nerve damage, leaving no pending issues.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability. The Board also finds that the Veteran's current right knee disability is secondary to his service-connected left TKA, status post revision.