Knee decisions — 2012

The Veteran's temporary total rating for convalescence due to right knee surgery was denied as he did not meet the criteria for continued use of crutches or immobilization.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disorder, diagnosed as a fissure cartilage defect, is at least as likely as not caused by his military service. The condition was present during service and there are no findings indicating it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a hearing and obtaining medical opinions regarding secondary service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death was terminal renal failure due to an obstructive process related to his enlarged prostate from benign prostatic hypertrophy. The service-connected disabilities and medications did not play a role in causing or contributing substantially or materially to the Veteran's death.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disorder is less likely due to service, and his right knee disability did not cause or aggravate his left knee disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral elbow, wrist, and knee disabilities, prostate disability, psychiatric disability, hypertension, and skin disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's left knee, cervical spine, right shoulder, right hip and left ankle disorders are found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. Effective February 8, 2006, a 10% evaluation is assigned for the right knee.

The Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings were granted, with a 10 percent rating assigned for his medial meniscal tear of the right knee and residual scar of the left thigh. Service connection was not established for a left knee disability or GERD.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased rating were denied. The low back disorder claim was reopened but not granted. Bilateral knee disorder, malaria, and left elbow fracture claims remain denied.

The Board found that the current 10 percent evaluation for the service-connected right knee disability is appropriate, as it reflects the Veteran's symptoms and functional impairment.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a left knee disorder due to new and material evidence submitted by the Veteran. The issue remains on appeal as the claim is still pending.,No decision was made regarding the earlier effective date for tinnitus or the rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death was not caused by any service-connected disability and denied DIC benefits.

The Board granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and assigned a 10 percent disability rating effective March 10, 2006. The Veteran's current symptoms include constant pain, locking, and instability.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's low back, right knee, and left knee conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral quadriceps tendon repair was not caused or made worse by his service-connected osteoarthritis of the knees, and thus denied his claim for secondary service connection.