Knee decisions — 2010

The Veteran seeks a TDIU rating due to service-connected disabilities, but the RO has determined that further development is needed before deciding his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete development of his claims, including the need for VA examinations and obtaining Social Security Administration records.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee DJD is not related to service and was not caused or aggravated by her service-connected right knee disorder.

Service connection is denied for traumatic arthritis of the right knee and a left knee injury. Service connection is granted for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine and bilateral hearing loss.,The Veteran's current depressed skull fracture, claimed as residuals from an in-service head injury, is not service connected.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee disability is not related to his military service and denied his claim.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD, left wrist ganglion cyst, and left knee disability. Service connection is granted for bilateral tinea pedis (foot fungus).

The Veteran does not have a right knee or left knee disability that is attributable to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder is not related to his military service, while finding a current left knee disorder is related to his active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The initial rating for degenerative joint disease of the right foot was not granted as greater than 10 percent prior to November 18, 2009, and greater than 20 percent thereafter. Other claims for service connection or increased ratings were also denied.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to a left knee instability following total knee arthroplasty performed in March 2003 is being remanded for further development, including obtaining X-ray films of the left knee prosthesis and arranging for an opinion regarding potential fault on part of VA healthcare providers.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, a left knee disability, and arthritis due to issues related to secondary service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with VA compensation examinations.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence linking the Veteran's current bilateral hip disorder with his service-connected knee disorders. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a bilateral hip disorder as secondary to service-connected bilateral knee disorders is denied.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder, degenerative changes of the left knee, and status post arthroscopy of the right knee have been granted initial ratings of 10 percent each. The claim for higher initial ratings remains before the Board.

The Veteran's current bilateral knee disability is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within one year after separation, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that his current disability is related to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee, bilateral shoulder, and right hand conditions are not related to service or a service-connected disability. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left knee and left elbow disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his preferred type of hearing and for additional development.

The Board has determined that the appellant did not incur right and left knee degenerative joint disease during active service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.