Knee decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left hip disability and an increased rating for his service-connected left knee disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting these claims.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and his right shoulder injury is not service-connected. The Board denied the increased rating claim for the left knee and did not find service connection for the right shoulder injury.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected left ankle disability were denied. The initial evaluation was found to be appropriate at all relevant times.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for a right knee disorder, as there is no chronic condition present at the time of discharge and no medical evidence linking current symptoms to service. The Veteran's claim was denied.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date of the award of a 20 percent disability rating for his service-connected left talus fracture residuals was denied. The claim for heart disease service connection was also denied, and the issue concerning whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a service connection claim for a bilateral knee disorder is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of March 23, 2006 rating for his service-connected right knee chondromalacia was denied.,VA is required to withhold $5,151.60 in VA compensation benefits to recoup a lump-sum severance payment.

The Veteran's right knee disability, diagnosed as chondromalacia and retropatellar pain syndrome, is considered service-connected due to its onset during active duty.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the appellant's right knee, low back, and sleep apnea disabilities are related to his service-connected left knee disability or other conditions. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of his current left knee, left arm, and left shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right knee PFPS were denied, with the Board finding that his conditions did not warrant higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his right knee conditions and their impact on his functional ability.

The Board found that the Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen his August 1982 RO administrative decision, which held that injuries incurred in a December 7, 1980 motorcycle accident were not incurred in line of duty. The Board also determined that there is no direct link between the Veteran's current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated at 10 percent for arthritis with painful motion, and no higher rating is warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status as a result of service-connected disabilities is denied because he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for left knee arthroplasty and TDIU were denied. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's left knee disability, following total knee replacement in 2006, did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation based on ankylosis or limitation of motion.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral knee disorder was not aggravated by service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated at 10 percent since April 21, 2008. The claim for a higher rating is denied as the evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disability, as secondary to his left knee disability, has been reopened. The Board finds new and material evidence has been received. Service connection is granted for the right knee disability on a secondary basis. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus claim remains pending. His left shoulder disability claim also remains pending. Increased ratings are sought for both service-connected left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.