Knee decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the spine, hips, and knees, as well as his claim for a higher initial evaluation for diabetes mellitus, were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or post-service treatment.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for right and left knee disabilities. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to assess the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's initial rating for left knee degenerative joint disease is denied, but he is granted a separate 10 percent rating for the removal of semilunar cartilage.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee condition with degenerative changes is granted, but the claim for a higher initial rating is denied. Service connection for a left ankle disability secondary to service-connected right ankle and right knee disabilities is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease and chondromalacia patella (right and left knees) are not shown to warrant evaluations in excess of 20 percent or 10 percent, respectively.

The Veteran's current disabilities are not due to the 1989 motorcycle accident, which occurred outside of VA care and treatment.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection for the Veteran's right knee disability, concluding that her current condition is not related to her military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's residuals of an ACL tear of the left knee are manifested by slight limitation of motion, slight instability or subluxation, and no evidence of arthritis. The criteria for a higher initial rating have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated Army Reserve treatment and personnel records, as well as all private medical records from his private physician. A VA examination is also required to assess the current severity of his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right knee chondromalacia was rated at 20 percent prior to July 10, 2008, and the left knee traumatic arthritis with chondromalacia was rated at 20 percent prior to that date.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, heart disability, and bilateral knee disabilities have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of a right knee disorder or neurological disorder, and thus denied the Veteran's service connection claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to determine his employment status and whether he has an employment handicap that prevents him from pursuing vocational rehabilitation training.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities do not warrant a higher disability rating based on current evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for degenerative arthritis of the right and left knees have been denied as there is no evidence of limitation of motion or instability that would warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and bladder and urinary incontinence are not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking them to active service. Bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral knee disability were also denied as they are not related to active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO found that the residuals of a pelvic bone fracture, right and left knee disabilities, gastroesophageal reflux disease, lumbar spine disability, migraine headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea did not warrant higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of the record, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is incurred in active service and grants service connection for this condition. The claim for a left knee disability remains pending as further development is needed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were incurred during active service, with the left knee disability being granted on a direct basis. The appeal is now remanded for additional development regarding the left knee.