Knee decisions — 2011

The Board found that the Veteran did not have diabetes mellitus or a right knee disability incurred in service, and denied both claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected knee disabilities and TDIU are pending. His claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only has been denied. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of right foot injury is reopened, but the Veteran's current claim for service connection remains pending.

The Board found that there is no current disability caused by shrapnel wounds, and the Veteran's claim of service connection for shrapnel wounds to the legs was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee arthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of her medical records.

The Veteran's right knee disability, specifically the residuals of partial lateral meniscectomy, is rated at a compensable level (10%) for the entire initial rating period. The left knee disability, patellofemoral syndrome, also warrants a compensable rating (10%).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing foot conditions, including claw foot and edema, were aggravated by service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left knee and left hip existed prior to service and was not aggravated beyond its natural progression by active military service.

The Board finds that the appellant's left knee disorder clearly and unmistakably existed before service, and was not aggravated by service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining a detailed medical opinion from Dr. Webb regarding whether the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus caused or aggravated his non-service-connected bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and TriCare treatment records, as well as scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his current knee disabilities and pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, left ankle, bilateral wrist conditions, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or in-service events that could be linked to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle strain, left ankle strain, and right knee strain were evaluated as zero percent disabling in each ankle prior to June 12, 2008. Effective June 12, 2008, the Veteran was assigned a 10 percent rating for each of these conditions.,The VA examinations conducted on June 12, 2008, showed that the Veteran's service-connected right ankle strain and left ankle strain were manifested by painful moderate limitation of motion. The right knee strain was manifested by complaints of painful motion and slightly limited knee flexion.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied as there is no evidence showing that his additional disabilities were caused by VA fault in providing medical treatment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's incarceration and requests for a hearing. The issues of service connection for left knee arthroplasty, dyslexia, and reopening of sarcoidosis claim are pending.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bone cancer, a heart disorder, and right knee and ankle disorders that he asserts are due to his service-connected residuals of left knee and ankle injuries. The case is being remanded for further development including obtaining medical records and VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a foot disability to include bilateral talus spur and arthritis was granted. The appeals for left knee disability, left shoulder disability including as secondary to service-connected cervical spine disability, and an increased rating for headaches were withdrawn by the Veteran prior to decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining service records and addressing her claims for service connection.

The Veteran's medical conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for COPD, rhinosinusitis, and a right knee disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.