Knee decisions — 2008

The Board found no evidence of a chronic knee disorder during the veteran's active duty service or ACDUTRA/INACDUTRA periods, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations.

The veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA/Workmen's Compensation clinical documentation.

The veteran's degenerative arthritis of the knees and residuals from a pulmonary embolism in service are granted as service-connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability related to his claimed back, bilateral foot, or left knee disorders. The evidence shows no in-service injury and no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims to reopen his previously denied service connection claims for left knee disability and lumbar sprain.

The veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and readjudication due to the need for updated medical records and a compensation and pension examination.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected gunshot wound of the right thigh and impairment of the right tibia have been denied as there is no evidence showing that these conditions warrant a higher rating during the appeal period.

The veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders, as well as a psychiatric disorder secondary to his knee disorders, are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining relevant VA medical records.

The Board has received a withdrawal of the appeal from the appellant and thus, the appeal is dismissed.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred in service. The preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that there is a medical relationship between his current right knee disorder and his service-connected left knee and/or right foot disorders.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected left knee disability was denied, and the issue of secondary service connection for a low back condition was also denied. The RO found that there was no new and material evidence to reopen the claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection on the merits were denied. The Board found that his skin disorder did not originate during active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred due to an undiagnosed illness. His joint pain, muscle spasms, and grinding of teeth (bruxism) were also not shown to be related to active service or a chronic undiagnosed illness.

The Board finds no evidence of a left leg disorder, bilateral knee disorder, or back disorder since service. The veteran's complaints are not supported by medical evidence and the claims are denied.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability is not more than a 10 percent rating, as there was no evidence of limitation of motion or instability warranting higher ratings. The claim for an increased rating was denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected right knee disability was denied due to her failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a chronic left hip or knee disorder for which service connection can be granted. The claims are denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for verification of her National Guard service periods.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, bilateral knee disability, and right foot disability as secondary to his service-connected residuals of a left foot injury.