Knee decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the Veteran's rotator cuff tendinopathy with osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint had its onset in service and is related to his active duty. However, there is no competent evidence establishing a current left knee disability or linking it to service.

The Board found that the appellant's residuals of a left knee injury, postoperative with degenerative changes, are manifested by flexion limited to 85 degrees and extension limited to 10 degrees with incoordination, weakened movement, excess fatigability, crepitus, tenderness, chronic pain, edema, effusion, swelling, popping, and heat. The Board concluded that the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent have not been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's right hip pain is not related to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to address his claims.

The Board granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected left groin strain, effective from May 17, 2010. The Veteran previously had a 10 percent evaluation since March 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claim for hypertension is referred to the RO for further action.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and further examination is needed for both hypertension and right knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was granted effective November 1, 2004, the date of his service connection for a psychiatric disability. The effective date for the grant of TDIU is set at this time as it meets the threshold requirements for a schedular TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA examination and private medical records. The case will be readjudicated after the development.

The Board denied reopening of claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and a back disorder, finding that the evidence submitted was not new and material.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD, service connection for metastatic colorectal cancer, and arthritis of the bilateral knees were all denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a finding of service connection for metastatic colorectal cancer due to radiation exposure or any other basis. The arthritis of the bilateral knees claim was also denied as there was no evidence showing it was related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the appellant requires regular aid and attendance or is housebound due to her disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right foot disability, bilateral knee osteoarthritis, and lumbar spine osteoarthritis. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for her bilateral hip disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, and left knee disorder. The effective date of these grants is not specified in the decision.

The Board denied service connection for the right knee disorder and the certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board found that the severance of service connection for left below the knee amputation and discontinuance of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a foot were improper.

The Board has ordered another examination due to the need for clarification of the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disorder, which may have onset during active duty or be related to a disease or injury incurred therein.

The Board found no evidence of a right knee, back, or hip disability that was incurred in service. The Veteran's current disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for atherosclerotic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities (numbness of the toes), right knee disorder, and skin disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 30 percent prior to January 13, 2006 and returned to 30 percent after a period of 100 percent. The hip condition has been rated at 10 percent since January 29, 2010.,The Veteran's right knee disability was rated based on limitation of motion and arthritis. The hip condition was rated based on the degree of impairment.,The decision reflects a mixed outcome as some issues were granted (right knee) while others were denied or not addressed (hip).