Knee decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable and increased ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of benefits.

The Veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation benefits has been remanded due to conflicting medical opinions and the need for additional information on his current health status.

The Veteran's claimed right hand, shoulder, hip, ankle, and knee disabilities are not service-connected. His hypertension is also not service-connected as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year after separation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disorder is not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. Therefore, service connection for a left knee disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee injuries is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether any current knee conditions are related to active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current subjective right knee pain does not constitute a chronic right knee disability and that there is no evidence of such a condition during service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder, which is secondary to her right knee disorder, has been remanded due to the need to address her petition to reopen her previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disorder.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral knee disability and its relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and arthritis is not presumed to have been so incurred. The claim for a left knee disability is remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding its etiology.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for the issues of service connection for intervertebral disc disease, lumbar spine; chondromalacia, left knee; chondromalacia, right knee; a left hip condition; a right hip condition; peroneal tendonitis, left ankle; posterior tibial tendonitis, left ankle; and, posterior tibial tendonitis, right ankle.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and development are needed for the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for his service-connected osteoarthritis of the right knee and anxiety neurosis with conversion reaction, as well as a TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral DJD of the hips and patellofemoral syndrome of both knees are service-connected, with the evidence being in equipoise to warrant a finding that these conditions were incurred during active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and service personnel records. He also needs to be scheduled for a spine examination and joint examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for L5-S1 small disc protrusion with degenerative disease, sciatica with neuropathy, and a left knee disorder, finding that these conditions are not etiologically related to or aggravated by service-connected disability.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by extension of 5 degrees or better and flexion of 35 degrees or better with pain on motion, does not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain, left knee disorder, and defective vision have been denied as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.,The Board found no evidence of a current chronic back or left knee disorder related to the service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings on his service-connected conditions have been denied. The RO has granted service connection and assigned noncompensable disability ratings to all of the Veteran's service-connected conditions, effective December 1, 2003.

The Board finds that a preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that left knee disability, including osteoarthritis and a meniscus tear, was incurred in or otherwise the result of her active military service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by osteoarthritis and a torn medial meniscus, was granted an initial rating of 10 percent. The condition is rated based on its direct service connection without any presumption or secondary theory.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his non-service-connected conditions.