Knee decisions — 2009

The Veteran's arthritis of the right knee was found to be incurred in service, with no evidence of aggravation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous VA examination and consideration of additional medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right and left knee disorders, as well as his headaches, are not service-connected. However, the Board has also found in favor of the Veteran regarding his claim for tension headaches, finding them likely to have onset during his period of active military service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed on the claims of service connection for right knee, ankle, and thigh disorders. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to obtain outstanding VA treatment records, clarify the nature of his ankle disorder, and determine if he has a current right thigh disorder related to either service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issues are related to initial ratings for patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the issues of increased disability ratings for his right knee and shell fragment wound disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of an earlier effective date for a separate rating for left knee osteoarthritis and chondromalacia patellae. The initial compensable rating issue remains at issue.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient detail in VA examination reports regarding left knee instability and VCAA notice requirements.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, finding no evidence of a current disability related to service or secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease. The claim for increased ratings and initial rating for depressive disorder NOS associated with right knee degenerative joint disease were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records from the Milwaukee VAMC and any other medical care providers identified by the Veteran.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including eye condition, right shoulder disability, kidney disorder, left knee disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability. The issues were previously adjudicated as final due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claim for service connection. The Board also found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD due to an in-service personal assault.

The Board has granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to an in-service sexual assault. The right knee and right wrist conditions are not addressed as they were not part of the reopened claim.

The claim for a higher evaluation of diabetes mellitus, type II is granted and the effective date is set at March 18, 2004. Service connection for hyperlipidemia, cervical spine disability, left knee disability, and erectile dysfunction are all denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for left knee disorder and hypertension has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine and right knee disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further action, including obtaining verification of the Veteran's service dates and associated medical records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the knees and back, finding that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorders and Meniere's disease. The new evidence supports a finding that these conditions are related to military service.,Service connection is granted for a heart condition.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle and hip disabilities are not service connected, nor are they secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. His right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent.