Knee decisions — 2009

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of a right knee disability, finding that the earliest possible effective date would be April 11, 2006, based on the date entitlement arose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disability is not related to an injury in service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the Appellant's left knee disorder is related to her active duty service on April 4, 1998 and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability secondary to her service-connected left knee disability and for a left foot disability, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities do not meet the criteria for an automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only, as they do not cause permanent loss of use of a foot or ankylosis of a knee.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each. The RO found that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, including arthritis and postoperative medial meniscus tear, does not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the right leg and right knee have been evaluated at 10 percent each, with no higher evaluations granted due to the current manifestations not meeting criteria for more severe disability ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability is not related to his active service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities of the right shoulder, low back, and knees were not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence does not show a nexus between any current disability and service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records and clarify the Veteran's current bilateral knee condition. The case will be reviewed based on all evidence of record, including any additional information obtained.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthrosis with chondromalacia patella is currently rated at 10 percent, and his left knee osteoarthrosis with chondromalacia patella is also rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that the current ratings are appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran withdrew his appeal on the claims of entitlement to increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and degenerative joint disease of the right knee. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence showing impairment levels warranting such a rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete medical records from the VA Medical Center in Leavenworth, Kansas. The AMC/RO must obtain these records and review the claims.

The Veteran's IBS and dermatitis of the neck were granted initial compensable ratings, while his claims for knee DJD, left ankle sprain, muscle pain, and insomnia are pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current knee and back disabilities are caused or aggravated by his service-connected pes cavus with callosities. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations for a joints examination and a spine examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly address the Veteran's death and its cause, including obtaining an autopsy report.