Knee decisions — 2010

The Veteran's PTSD is service-connected. The Board finds credible evidence of in-service stressors and grants service connection for PTSD. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, low back disorder, left wrist strain, arthritis of the bilateral knees are not granted as there is no current diagnosis or medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the appellant's service-connected left knee disability, which includes lateral instability and painful motion. The current ratings are in line with the severity of his symptoms as determined by VA medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Raynaud's syndrome and right knee disability were not incurred or aggravated during his active service, and therefore denied these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and scheduling of a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's left knee disability is found to be service-connected, while his right shoulder disability is not. The decision does not address the issue of exposure basis or whether the claim falls under any specific presumptive conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current knee conditions are related to his military service. The claim is pending and will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's total knee replacement has been manifested by chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion and weakness since February 7, 2005. The Board found that the criteria for a 60 percent evaluation for residuals of a total right knee replacement have been met from February 7, 2005.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection, including examinations and medical opinions regarding his back disorder, right thumb injury, left hip disorder, left knee and leg disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition and a right knee condition, finding no evidence of in-service injury or chronicity of symptoms since service discharge.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a diagnosed left knee disability and his service-connected right knee patellofemoral disease and bilateral thoracic outlet syndrome do not warrant initial compensable ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating of his mood disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between his current conditions and service, as well as a need for additional examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability determination and records from the Livermore VA Medical Center.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for testicular sarcoma, liver disability, kidney disability, and bilateral knee sarcoma have been denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from the John D. Dingell VAMC and appointing a representative if desired.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but denied service connection for left knee, feet, and back disorders due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions did not have their onset during active military service and denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran service connection for left knee strain and Meniere's syndrome with tinnitus, but denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II. The Board found that diabetes mellitus type II was not incurred or aggravated in active service.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoporosis affecting the hands, toes, knees and left elbow as secondary to service-connected sarcoidosis. Service connection for polyarthralgia affecting the hands, toes, knees and left elbow is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and conducting examinations to determine the nature and etiology of various conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to assess the current levels of disability due to PTSD and left knee arthritis, as well as for any other necessary development.