Knee decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his right knee disability, including any additional manifestations such as instability or subluxation. Separate ratings may be warranted based on different aspects of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records, verify his National Guard service dates and types, and schedule him for a VA examination regarding the etiology of his knee disabilities. The claim for PTSD will be remanded as well.

The Veteran's service-connected right total knee replacement is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 60 percent is warranted based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis of the left knee is causally related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right knee disorder or broken tailbone that is service-connected. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptomatology since active service.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current knee and shoulder disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, left knee disability, and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The issues of increased ratings for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right chest with a retained foreign body and right knee disability are being addressed, as well as the issue of TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability is not related to his military service, including injuries sustained during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right knee, low back, or right hip disability. The claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including instability and limited extension, resulted in a temporary total rating from September 7, 2006 to January 1, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case for an appropriate medical examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any bilateral knee disabilities found on evaluation. The Veteran's in-service parachute jumping activities during his period of active duty between June 1970 and February 1972 are considered as possible onset or precursor to any current left knee disability. The examiner should also address whether the diagnosed disabilities are causally related to the Veteran's period of ADT in June 1975.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a left leg or knee condition, and a left foot or ankle condition are not supported by the evidence of record.

The case is REMANDED to the RO for additional development as requested.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed left knee degenerative arthritis is etiologically linked to his service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to require regular assistance of another person, meeting the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining National Guard treatment records and VA/VA Medical Center treatment records. The Veteran's tinnitus is also to be examined by a VA examiner, as are his bilateral knee, hand, wrist, and shoulder disorders if they were incurred during periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA).

The Board has determined that the Appellant did not sustain a collarbone fracture during active service, and his left knee disability and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence does not establish an association between any lightning strike incident during service and his current conditions.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at John Archbold Memorial Hospital on May 30, 2008 is denied because a VA facility was feasibly available to treat his right knee and ankle pain within five days.