Knee decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a VA examination and additional medical records, and to ensure the claim is properly adjudicated.

The Board has granted service connection for disabilities involving the Veteran's left arm, bilateral knees, and low back, finding that these conditions are etiologically related to active service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a right knee disability, as the additional evidence does not establish a link between the Veteran's current right knee disability and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant records from various sources.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right wrist, bilateral knee, and left ankle disorders were not incurred or aggravated during active service. The VA examiner found no evidence of residuals from in-service injuries.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for updated examination reports and records.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn by his representative in a letter dated in May 2012.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric and right knee disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The acquired psychiatric disorder was not related to his period of active service, nor is it etiologically linked to any incident during service. Similarly, there is no evidence linking the right knee disability to service.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disorder resulted in episodes of locking, pain, and effusion prior to December 4, 2007. However, the disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied, except for the left knee instability claim which was granted. The right flank disability remains at a noncompensable rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee disability, but further development is needed before the claim can be decided on its merits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of his lumbar spine disability and bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including urinary incontinence, spinal stenosis, anxiety disorder, and others, have prevented him from securing and maintaining gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU rating.

The case is being remanded for further development and review of the claims, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and SSA disability benefit documents.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee disability was granted, with a 60 percent rating effective July 1, 2010.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the bilateral knees and a back disability, to include as due to degenerative joint disease of the bilateral knees in June 2006. The moving party's motion alleging clear and unmistakable error (CUE) was denied.

The Veteran's left knee disability, post total knee replacement, is manifested by chronic and severe pain in the left leg. The Board finds that a maximum schedular evaluation of 60 percent for total left knee replacement has been met.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 20 percent for instability, with separate ratings of 50 percent for limitation of extension since February 15, 2012. The effective date for the increased rating and scars has been set at September 2, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and requesting an addendum to the December 2010 VA joints examination report.