Knee decisions — 2011

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by flexion limited to 112 degrees and extension limited to 6 degrees with additional loss of motion due to pain, weakness, and flare-ups, does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss and bilateral knee disorder was denied as there is no current disability of either condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent for his right knee condition is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that the Veteran's service-connected heart condition contributed to his death. The decision is based on a balance of evidence in favor of the appellant.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated as noncompensable, and his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine remains at a 20 percent rating. The appeals for both conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's right knee medial meniscus tear with arthritis, low back strain, and hemorrhoids were evaluated. The claims for these conditions have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's knee disabilities have been rated as noncompensable under the applicable rating criteria. The Board finds that a separate compensable rating for right knee instability is not warranted, and no additional ratings are assigned.,Service connection for right hip disability has been denied as secondary to service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee disabilities, including arthritis and instability, are currently rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not proximately due to his service-connected left knee disability. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected residual stab wound scar of the left knee does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's left knee disability is not found to be related to his service-connected right knee disabilities. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of secondary service connection.

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee disorders, pes planus of the feet, and low back disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected hallux valgus of the right and left feet.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on his service-connected left and right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's initial service-connected left knee disability was rated as noncompensable from July 29, 2005 to April 25, 2010. From April 26, 2010 onwards, she is entitled to a 10% rating for degenerative changes of the left knee.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss, left ear tinnitus, sinusitis, or right knee disability. The evidence is against finding service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn regarding the right total knee replacement. The claims for increased ratings of his right wrist and low back disabilities were not granted.

The Veteran's pension benefits were denied due to his incarceration. His service-connection claims for left knee, heart, and hepatitis B disabilities are being reopened based on new evidence. The right ankle disability claim is still pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral knee disorder and back disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for travel pay to obtain a prosthetic leg and shower leg from the Institute for Advancement in Prosthetics (IAP) in Lansing, Michigan was granted as it is deemed necessary due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board is remanding the cause-of-death claim due to the need for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion. The DIC benefits claim remains inextricably intertwined with the cause-of-death claim and must be addressed concurrently.