Knee decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected right knee instability has been manifested by complaints of giving way three to four times a month, and objectively, the knee was stable on clinical varus and valgus testing. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a DRO hearing and potential videoconference hearing. The issues of reopening claims for PTSD, headaches, and medial meniscus tear, left knee are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, right knee injury with osteoarthritis, and left knee arthritis with meniscal disease, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development of his records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's eczema is reasonably due to an error in judgment in the course of VA care, and he has a current diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis, diffuse sclerotic eczema including on the chest, back, elbows, knees, and hands, and tinea pedis. The Board finds that his eczema is attributable to a combination of irritants, which includes the VA medication.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess his service-connected conditions and other issues on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran had chronic otitis media, which was granted service connection. However, all other issues related to his low back disability, right knee and left knee disabilities, and right hip disability were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to provide proper notice for a scheduled hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for various disabilities remain on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee and hip disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of recent medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. Service connection claims for right knee disability and hypertension are pending.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee arthrosis and osteoarthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disorder, effective August 21, 2012.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and the claim for secondary service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was denied.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss, hypertension, heart disability (cardiac murmur), right great toe disability, low back disability, residuals of cold injury to hands, and bilateral knee disability. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of these conditions at the time of the decision.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have current diagnoses of headaches, foot disability, or left knee disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability is presumed to have been incurred during his military service, but his right shoulder arthritis cannot be linked to his service. The decision on the issue of service connection for erectile dysfunction was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease and right knee degenerative joint disease do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development of the record, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a new VA examination, and ensuring compliance with all directives.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right or left ankle disability, or a right knee disability, that is related to his active service. The evidence of record does not support a finding that any current disabilities are etiologically linked to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected left knee partial ACL tear did not meet or approximate criteria for a compensable evaluation at any time relevant to the claim/appeal period.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right knee disability is related to his in-service injury, and grants service connection for a right knee disability. The right shoulder disability was not incurred or aggravated by service.