Knee decisions — 2005

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and requested additional medical opinions. The veteran's claims for service connection for chronic left knee disorder and generalized arthritis are pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's upper and lower back, bilateral shoulder, bilateral leg, right hip, and right knee conditions are not attributable to service or any presumptive exposure basis. The VA examiners have opined that these conditions are more likely due to post-service injuries, including a motor vehicle accident in 1996.

The Board has denied service connection for residuals of an excision of a scaling calculus from the left Wharton's duct, a left knee disability, and tinea pedis of the left foot as there is no competent medical evidence showing current diagnoses or relationships to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral knee disorder is not related to his service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and ensuring that the veteran is provided an opportunity to appoint a representative.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for multiple joint pain is being remanded due to the need for further examination and consideration of whether he should be service-connected for low back or left ankle disorders, apart from the multiple joint pains.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hearing loss, tinnitus, and right knee condition are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete medical records and inadequate examination reports.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back and left shoulder disorders are not related to service, but his current left knee injury with traumatic arthritis and chronic strain of the right knee are found to be at least as likely as not (50% likelihood or greater) related to service. As such, these conditions have been granted service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of the evidence, including a VA examination to confirm or rule out any heart disability and ensure appropriate notice of such examination. The RO must also review the examination reports to ensure they are in compliance with the directives.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claims of service connection for right leg, right knee, and low back disorders. The RO previously denied these claims in August 1996 on the grounds that any current conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected postoperative residuals of right femur fracture and osteoarthritis of the right hip were denied as he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination, and there is no evidence of significant limitation of motion in his right hip.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 26, 1995 for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The RO granted increased ratings and a TDIU effective September 26, 1995.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left knee disorder warrants a 30 percent evaluation, as it is characterized by significant laxity and instability without nonunion of the tibia and fibula requiring a brace on an ongoing basis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right knee disability is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the RO failing to recognize and mail documents to the correct address. The case will be returned for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing SSA disability benefits and medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a hearing loss disability for VA purposes and her tinnitus is not service-connected. The other conditions listed in the issues section are either not supported by evidence or were resolved prior to separation from service.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that they met the criteria for higher ratings.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.