Knee decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating for his knee disabilities or PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability is denied as there is no competent evidence of current right knee disability during the pendency of her claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered after this development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for left groin disorder and right knee disorder have been denied as there is no evidence showing a chronic, identifiable condition during or after service.

The Veteran's increased ratings claims for her left knee and right knee disabilities were granted, while the claim for service connection for recurrent episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding was also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to address the issues on appeal.

The Veteran does not have a current disability of the right knee or thigh that is related to an injury in service. The Board finds that there is no evidence of a current gastrointestinal disorder, hypertension, or lumbar spine disability that may be associated with service.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for left knee arthritis and subluxation from March 31, 2009 to September 8, 2009 were denied as the manifestations did not warrant a higher evaluation under applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board hearing at the Providence RO. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Board has granted effective dates of June 29, 2010 for the grant of service connection for low back strain and left knee strain.

The Board found that the Veteran's residuals of status post right knee arthroplasty were not caused by VA care, and thus denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates have been denied. The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding a higher rating for internal derangement of the left knee, as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the issuance of a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are shown as likely as not to preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment consistent with his work and education background, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left knee disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The right knee issue remains pending as no medical opinion was provided regarding the claimed right knee disability.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current right knee disability, including any related to service, is granted as service connection.

The VA determined that the Veteran's left knee disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for left knee disability, right hip trochanteric bursitis (left hip), and left shoulder impingement syndrome with bicep tendonitis were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability, finding that the evidence supports such a determination.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease resulted in limitation of extension that most nearly approximated 20 degrees and flexion to 90 degrees without frequent episodes of locking or effusion, ankylosis, dislocation or removal of the semilunar cartilage, or impairment of the tibia or fibula. The Board granted a rating of 30 percent for this period beginning January 8, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected renal failure and postoperative residuals of a kidney transplant resulted in the termination of his total rating. The Board finds that the reduction was not proper due to lack of compliance with applicable regulations, but restores the original 100% rating for these conditions.