Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination reports and a need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and arranging for new VA examinations.

The Board has ordered additional development due to outstanding records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee and low back disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder, left finger, and cervical spine disabilities are secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, finding that the Veteran's disabilities are related to his active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence did not establish a direct link to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral foot disorders did not have their onset during active duty service or are related to such service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent, with a combined evaluation of limited motion and instability. The claims for increased evaluations are denied as the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to active duty. The disability was not due to an undiagnosed illness, nor was it exhibited within the first post-service year.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to notification from the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right knee disabilities have not met the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent. The claims for TDIU are also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to newly submitted VA treatment records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, major depressive disorder, is found to be related to his service-connected right knee and right leg disabilities. His right knee disability is granted an initial rating of 20 percent, but no higher, while his right leg disability is also granted a 20 percent rating.

The appeal is being remanded to the AOJ due to new evidence received since the August 2015 supplemental statement of the case. The Veteran must be provided a SSOC with this additional information.

The Veteran's appeal is being returned to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office for consideration of additional VA treatment records and potential readjudication.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 10 percent prior to February 3, 2011, and beginning April 1, 2011. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating during these periods.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for separate disability ratings under Diagnostic Code 5257 for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of instability or subluxation in either knee.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to the Veteran's right knee and right ankle disabilities, including obtaining a VA examination.

The Veteran's left knee disability warrants a combined 30 percent rating based on dislocation of semilunar cartilage and osteoarthritis with painful motion.