Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and a left thigh condition are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and Social Security Administration disability benefits application records. A TDIU examination will also be scheduled.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left knee arthritis and right knee replacement, render him unemployable due to his inability to perform the physical demands of a sedentary job.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for her right knee disability was granted. The Board also found that the Veteran has service connection for hypothyroidism, which is etiologically related to service. Service connection for left ventricular disease was denied as secondary to claimed hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's knee pain is being evaluated for possible service connection due to participation in Desert Shield/Storm, but further development is needed as the records are insufficient to decide under applicable theories of service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development of his service treatment records and dates of active duty. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and additional development is required.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral knee, shoulder, back disorders, benign prostatic hypertrophy with urinary obstruction, incipient senile cataract, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before making a decision on the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability. The case is REMANDED to obtain additional medical records and conduct an examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right shoulder and right knee disabilities. The AOJ will also obtain all outstanding VA medical records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection based on the current medical findings.

The Veteran's right knee disability has not warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent for any period on appeal.

The Veteran was diagnosed with right elbow lateral epicondylitis during active service and has met the criteria for a current disability. The Board finds that his current condition is related to in-service injury, granting service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral knee, left shoulder, and right shoulder disabilities are not related to his active service.,There is no evidence of any complaints or treatment for these conditions during service. The Veteran reported symptoms many years after separation from service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, prior to November 1, 2009, was rated at 10 percent due to DJD. The current rating is maintained as the evidence does not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and a request for reconsideration of the claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling an examination to address the etiology of the appellant's bilateral knee disability, and readjudicating the claim.

The Veteran's neck disability claim was withdrawn at the April 2011 hearing.,Service connection for a right knee disorder is not established as his current right knee disorder did not manifest in or within one year of service and does not relate to an in-service injury or disease.,A disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a left knee disability with instability is denied as the Veteran's left knee has intermediate instability and no patellar subluxation or dislocation.,A disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a left knee disability with loss of range of motion is denied as his left knee has flexion between 0 and 115 degrees with some pain, normal left knee extension without pain, and intermittent swelling.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's combined service-connected disability evaluation of 90 percent effectively precludes him from securing and following substantially gainful employment due to his PTSD, right shoulder disorder, bilateral hearing loss, knee disabilities, tinnitus, and left shoulder residuals. TDIU is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral shin splints. The claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, bilateral foot disability (jungle rot and/or cold injury residuals), and chronic recurrent sinusitis are denied as there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active duty service.