Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining records from FCI Butner, USP Terre Haute, and USP Lewisburg, as well as any court documents related to a civil claim filed in 1986 or 1987. The claims will be reconsidered after these developments.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by limitation of motion and instability, has been rated at 30 percent since February 10, 2014. The right knee disability, characterized by limitation of extension only, remains at a noncompensable rating.

The Veteran's right knee limitation of flexion is currently rated at 10 percent, and he meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for a low back disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder. The preponderance of evidence does not support these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee condition did not have its onset in service or within one year of separation, and is not related to his period of active service. The claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder was denied.

The Veteran's bilateral knee osteoarthritis was initially rated and the RO granted service connection for status post total left and right knee arthroplasty. The RO increased his ratings to 60 percent effective October 23, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment prior to December 15, 2006.

For the entire period of appeal, the left knee arthritis is manifested by pain, flexion limited to 120 degrees with pain at 80 degrees, and a meniscus tear with frequent episodes of locking pain and effusion. The criteria for a disability evaluation of 20 percent for left knee arthritis with meniscus tear and frequent episodes of locking pain and effusion are met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA records. The issues of service connection for a left knee disability, increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain service treatment records and medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding records and a need for additional examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's left knee replacement has been rated at 30 percent since May 1, 2009. The Board found that the current rating adequately compensates for his total left knee replacement and denied a higher initial rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability, including DJD, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for right and left knee disabilities, but has not yet decided whether these claims are granted or denied.

The Veteran's right knee instability has been rated at 20 percent since July 26, 2010. The current rating is appropriate as the evidence does not show more than moderate instability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status, as his total disability rating is due to TDIU from multiple conditions. He also does not qualify for SAH or SHA benefits.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant's request for withdrawal of all issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the severity of his bilateral knee disabilities. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.