Knee decisions — 2010

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine. The right leg condition (previously adjudicated as a right knee condition) remains on appeal.

The Veteran meets the criteria for a total disability rating for nonservice-connected pension purposes due to multiple disabilities, including his right knee and low back conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for residuals of a total left knee replacement is being remanded due to the need for proper notice and additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting another VA examination.

The Veteran's right knee disability is manifested by pain and limitation of motion, with flexion not limited to less than 45 degrees and extension not limited to more than 5 degrees. The claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a right knee disability is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to service, and the claim for this condition is granted. The claims for tinnitus, knee disabilities, wrist disabilities, shoulder disabilities, neck disability, and lower back disability are all denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the cause of his left hip disorder and whether he is entitled to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and clarifying the Veteran's disability retirement status.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected internal derangement of the left knee is being remanded due to the need for a VA joints examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left knee disability and therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA examination and vocational rehabilitation records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including providing notice and obtaining a VA examination.

The Veteran's low back and bilateral knee disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The right and left ankle disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for increased ratings.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee and foot disabilities, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA joints examination to determine if the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are related to her service-connected shin splints or any other factors.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chondromalacia patella of the right knee was granted effective November 6, 2003.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative joint disease of the right knee was granted effective November 6, 2003.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a right foot disorder, right knee disorder, heart disorder, prostatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and degenerative disc disease of the spine. The decision also addressed service connection on a secondary basis for Meniere's Disease.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions, including cancers and neurological disorders, all potentially related to exposure to burn pits. The case is being remanded for additional medical records and verification of a claimed stressor.

The Veteran's left knee sprain is currently rated at 10 percent, effective May 23, 2008. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material, thus denying the Veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for a right knee disorder.

The Board denied service connection for right knee disability, lumbar disc disease, and erectile dysfunction and sterility. The Veteran's back condition was not shown to be related to his military service, and there is no evidence of radiation exposure or a relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and service.