Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues, including initial compensable rating for GERD and increased ratings for knee and cervical spine conditions. The reduction in the disability rating from 20 to 0 percent for left knee instability effective July 17, 2014 was found proper.

The Veteran's appeals for PTSD, a right knee disorder, and hypertension have been withdrawn. The claim for service connection for osteoporosis has not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The claims for increased ratings for the thoracic spine disability and major depressive disorder remain in appellate status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment during the period of December 14, 2010 through September 9, 2013.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, bilateral knee disorder, and sinusitis. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board denied an initial extraschedular rating for the Veteran's right knee disability, finding that the manifestations of his condition are already contemplated by the schedular criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability had its onset in service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to include range of motion testing in the examination reports.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and increased ratings for GERD with bile acid gastritis and IBS have been denied. The Board found no evidence of direct service connection or secondary aggravation, and the medical opinions were against these claims.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for the Veteran's right knee disorder, as his current condition does not appear to be related to any incident or event in service. The claim is therefore denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to September 25, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee traumatic arthritis is due to service and not aggravated by any in-service injury or disease, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for the VA to obtain additional treatment records and readjudicate his claims of a higher rating for left knee disability and TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability has been manifested by traumatic arthritis with pain on motion and flexion limited to 110 degrees for the entire period on appeal. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his pulmonary condition and multiple musculoskeletal issues, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since September 17, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for increased SMC based on need for higher level of aid and attendance is denied as he does not meet the criteria for receiving SMC at the maximum rate under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(o).

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of her service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD results in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.