Knee decisions — 2013

The Veteran is seeking service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left and right knees, which he claims are related to his active duty service. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if these disabilities are related to service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right knee disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes. The evidence shows no limitation of motion or instability, and therefore, a noncompensable evaluation is assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his ulcerative pancolitis. The issues on appeal are entitlement to increased ratings for ulcerative pancolitis and left knee disability, as well as service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's death was attributed to suicide due to his service-connected major depression, which contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has determined that service connection for patellofemoral arthritis of the left knee is granted as it was incurred during a period of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA).

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for left knee and lumbar spine disorders, which were previously denied in September 1998. As a result, these claims are now considered on their merits.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to review them.

The Veteran's appeal includes issues regarding service connection for a back disability secondary to his knee disabilities, as well as increased ratings for his left and right knee conditions. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's right knee orthopedic disability is found to have its onset during active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA), and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as he failed to appear at the scheduled VA examination and did not provide good cause for his absence.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee PFS, left ankle tendonitis, left elbow bursitis, and associated scars have been denied as the evidence does not show any functional loss due to pain or other factors that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is manifested by flexion limited to no less than 135 degrees, with pain at 130 degrees, extension limited to no more than 0 degrees, degenerative arthritis, and slight instability. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is related to his in-service acoustic trauma. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, a right knee disorder, and peripheral neuropathy are remanded due to the need for additional medical inquiry.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for left knee patellofemoral syndrome, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and lumbar strain have been denied as her disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's current knee disorders are not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the Veteran's remaining claims of service connection for right ankle disorder, left knee disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, and back disorder are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury, patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, and a cervical spine disorder. The evidence did not establish current disabilities or link these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of her cervical spine disorder, bilateral knee disorders, and lumbar spinal fusion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his depression and other service-connected conditions.