Knee decisions — 2008

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing proper VCAA notice.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's service-connected left knee disability has aggravated his right knee disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other factors.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, arthritis of the right knee and back, and a heart condition. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative arthritis of the left knee with subsequent total knee replacement was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, may not be presumed to have been so incurred and is not proximately due to or the result of a service connected disability. The criteria for an increased rating for chondromalacia of the left knee have also not been met.

The Board found that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the veteran's left knee condition, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disorder and leukopenia/anemia/hyperlipidenia are not related to his active military service.

The Board has denied both the veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding no legal basis for secondary service connection of the right knee disability to a claimed left knee disability.

The veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to incomplete service records and the need to clarify her status with the Army Reserve. The RO must obtain all relevant medical records, confirm her military status, and schedule VA examinations to assess her current level of disability.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected left knee patellofemoral syndrome is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee condition, diagnosed as osteochondritis dissecans with arthroscopic pinning, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent. The evidence shows no more than slight functional impairment based on limitation of motion and no evidence of lateral instability or recurrent subluxation.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for left hip arthritis beginning July 23, 2007. For the left knee instability, separate 10 percent ratings are assigned.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability preexisted service and was not aggravated by military service. Therefore, it denied service connection for a left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee instability and arthritis do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there is no evidence of moderate or severe instability, nor does the arthritis meet criteria for higher ratings under other applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a right knee disability that is related to service. The claim for an initial compensable rating for vasomotor rhinitis and service connection for left knee disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected right knee disability, currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and a right knee disorder, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee condition as secondary to his service-connected left ankle fracture and an increased rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar faciitis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service medical records are not available and requests for additional records have been made. The veteran is also required to undergo VA examinations to determine if he currently suffers from left knee and shoulder conditions, and whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board found no evidence of a current left knee disorder and denied service connection for hypertension. The case is remanded to obtain additional development, including a VA examination for the veteran's claimed hypertension.