Knee decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected fractured left tibia is being remanded due to the need for further development, including another VA examination to assess the extent of any additional impairment in his left knee and ankle associated with the fracture.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of new evidence, including a supplemental opinion on the nature and etiology of his right knee bursitis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions, including exposure to asbestos and combat stressors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for right knee degenerative joint disease, right knee varus instability, and left knee degenerative joint disease. The criteria were not met to warrant a higher evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's bilateral knee hyperextension is not severe enough to warrant a higher disability rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by military service and is not proximately due to, or the result of, a service-connected disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA examination reports and the Veteran's request for a travel board hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for her service-connected right knee disorder and denied her claims for service connection for bilateral foot disorder and low back disorder.

The Board granted an increased rating of 10 percent for the Veteran's right knee instability and arthritis, effective from the date of the June 2006 decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for right knee arthritis and left knee arthritis. The Veteran's current diagnoses of meniscal tear do not support a finding of in-service origin or secondary to his service-connected tibia injury.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including referral to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service to consider whether extraschedular ratings are warranted for the Veteran's service-connected traumatic arthritis of the left hip and knee.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disability and psychiatric disabilities (including PTSD and depression) have been denied. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of these claims, including obtaining VA examinations for the Veteran's claimed stomach muscle disability, neck and back disabilities, and right leg disability. The Veteran's service connection claims have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his service connection claims, including obtaining medical records and Reserve records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee disabilities, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, low back disability, neck disability, and residuals of concussion were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either knee disability.

The Board has determined that the reduction in evaluations for internal derangement of the left knee and instability of the left knee was proper based on improvement shown by subsequent medical evidence.

The Veteran's current left knee disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and is therefore denied. The Board finds the evidence does not support a finding that his bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records, including from his private provider in Daytona, Florida.