Knee decisions — 2011

The Veteran's left knee disability, right knee disorder, and bilateral hip damage have all been granted service connection. The left knee disability is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities do not meet the threshold criteria for a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. � 4.16(a). However, his employability may be affected by other factors such as his cervical spine disorder and amputation of multiple digits of both hands. The case is REMANDED to obtain additional VA examination and review of the claims file.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disorder and psychiatric disorders, finding no in-service injury or stressor that could be linked to the current conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.,The Board also found that the left knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The evidence clearly shows that the Appellant's preexisting left knee disorder did not worsen during his active duty training, and thus service connection cannot be granted.

The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder pre-existed service, and was not aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for a left leg disorder and a bilateral knee disorder, finding no current disability in either case.

The Veteran's right knee condition, including the torn medial meniscus and degenerative patellar spur, is rated at 10 percent. Service connection for a skin rash disorder was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder, right shoulder dislocation with postoperative rotator cuff injury, and right knee strain are related to his service-connected activities and the natural progression of degenerative changes. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability, has been reopened and is granted. The claims for service connection for right knee and psychiatric disorders remain pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete opinions from the VA examiner and the need for additional development.

The Veteran's left knee condition is being remanded for an addendum opinion to determine if it was aggravated by his service-connected right hip replacement and leg length discrepancy.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee arthritis is denied as his range of motion does not warrant such a rating.,The effective date for the separate compensable rating for right knee laxity is denied as the preponderance of evidence shows that the Veteran did not have laxity prior to September 5, 2006.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease has been manifested by pain, weakness, effusion, zero degrees in extension, and to 100 degrees in flexion. The RO denied an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine the current degree of impairment due to right knee anterior collateral ligament tear with medial joint space narrowing and whether there is any aggravation of a nonservice-connected cardiac disorder by service-connected right knee disability. The case is REMANDED for these actions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations to determine the nature and likely etiology of any neck pain and left knee condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including an examination to assess the severity of his left knee disability and consideration of whether he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for right knee patellofemoral syndrome and instability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's left knee disorder began during his military service and is related to it. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.