Knee decisions — 2013

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right total knee replacement. The claim for an increased rating for the right total knee replacement is denied as there is no evidence of severe painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability and bilateral hearing loss. The case is now remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected internal derangement of the left knee and left knee instability are currently rated at 10 percent each, which is the maximum rating allowed under their respective diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disability, including residuals of right hand and knee injuries, is related to his service, specifically ACDUTRA. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to be incurred in service and is granted service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and hepatitis C. The case is being remanded to obtain new VA examinations, as well as any relevant treatment records.

The Board has denied reopening the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a left knee disorder, as new and material evidence was not submitted.,No new and material evidence was presented to reopen the claim of service connection for kidney disease.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a hearing. His claim for service connection for right knee disability remains on hold.

The Veteran's service connection claim for the residuals of a shell fragment wound of the left knee is granted. However, his claim for the residuals of a shell fragment wound of the back is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain medical records, complete VA examinations, and ensure compliance with the VCAA. The case will be returned to the Board for further action.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability and determined that new and material evidence has been submitted. The presumption of soundness applies, as no preexisting left knee disorder was noted on the entrance examination. However, there is clear and unmistakable evidence showing aggravation during active service, allowing for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, including recent treatment records. The Veteran is also scheduled for a VA examination regarding his right hand disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability is granted, with the Board finding that his current left knee disability is related to in-service parachute jumps. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is also granted, as the Board found credible the Veteran's account of exposure to noise trauma during service and accepted this evidence under the relaxed evidentiary standards afforded combat veterans.

The Board has determined that the appellant's ankylosing spondylitis of the spine, arthritis of the bilateral hips and knees, and a bilateral eye disability are all service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and private medical records from Dr. R. Cherukuri.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by moderate tricompartment osteoarthritis with patella tendonitis, was rated at 10 percent disabling from April 2008 through May 16, 2011. The VA compensation examinations showed extremely limited motion due to severe pain and the need for knee replacement surgery which could not be performed due to substance abuse.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, bilateral knee and ankle disabilities, and a right fifth metacarpal fracture are denied. Service connection is granted for hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability and whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for hemorrhoids are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to determine the current nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.