Knee decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for various disabilities, including psychiatric conditions, knee and shoulder injuries, and a stomach disability. The Veteran's claims are pending further development.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including arthritis and post-TKR residuals, is rated at a noncompensable level from November 17, 2003 to February 10, 2004. From February 11, 2004 onwards, the rating is set at 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee degenerative joint disease and anterior cruciate ligament tear were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeal involves increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and left thigh GSW residuals, as well as a claim for TDIU. The Board finds that further development is necessary to ensure all relevant evidence has been considered.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disorder and an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for modest arthritis, medial compartment, left knee.

The Board has determined that the claims need further clarification regarding the Veteran's service dates and type of service. The claims are being remanded to obtain this information.

The Board has determined that there is no medical evidence or credible assertion linking the Veteran's current degenerative joint disease of the bilateral knees to his military service. The claim for service connection for DJD of the knees is therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected osteoarthritis of the left knee, right hip, and right ankle disability do not warrant ratings in excess of the initial noncompensable ratings assigned.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disorder was not manifested within one year of service separation and there is no competent evidence in the file showing that the current right knee disorder is related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the knees and sickle cell anemia with vitreous hemorrhage in the left eye, finding that the evidence did not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability, as well as secondary claims for right and left hip disabilities. The Veteran's left tripartite or bipartite patella was found to be congenital and not related to military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, as well as his claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss disability. The current evaluation of 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss is maintained.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, arranging for a new examination by the November 2011 examiner to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding an in-service injury, and ensuring that all evidence is considered.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been rated as non-compensable (0 percent) since their initial grant in March 1994. The January 2007 rating decision denied increased ratings for both knees, with the RO considering the provisions of DCs 5257, 5260, and 5261.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a bilateral knee disability. The Veteran's current bilateral knee disabilities are found less likely than not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to locate the Veteran's service treatment records and obtain any relevant VA clinical records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee and shoulder disabilities are not service-connected as they were not incurred or aggravated during his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of any nexus between these conditions and the 1992 fall he reported.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left knee disorders are not related to his service-connected hammertoes or military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and a right knee disorder, finding no evidence of continuity of symptoms or medical treatment related to these conditions during or after service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease was denied as the evidence did not show flexion limited to at least 45 degrees or extension limited to at least 10 degrees, and there was no objective confirmation of painful motion.