Knee decisions — 2013

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disorder. The remaining issues of spine, shoulder, knee, and hemorrhoids disorders will be addressed through further examination and analysis.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia of the right knee patella, finding that his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address issues of service connection and severance of service connection. The Veteran's claims are currently pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing flat feet were aggravated by his service, leading to current arthritis of the knees and ankles. The Board granted these claims based on this finding.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of right ear hearing loss for VA purposes, and thus service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to a left knee disability and an earlier effective date for service connection of a right knee condition. The Veteran's claim is being reviewed for increased evaluation, and he needs to be scheduled for a VA examination to assess his current left knee disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The VA examinations are needed to determine the etiology of his right knee disorder, left knee disorder, hypertension, headaches, and all diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and low back disorder due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran is required to undergo additional VA examinations, and his claim will be readjudicated after all development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and verify the nature of his Army Reserve service. He is also required to undergo a VA examination to address his claims under the theory of an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a link between the Veteran's current knee, foot, or headache disabilities and his active service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee disability is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

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

The Board found no evidence of a current left knee disability incurred or aggravated by service, and the Veteran's assertions were deemed less than credible.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and left shoulder disorders due to incomplete records, including missing treatment records from various locations. The Veteran is also seeking an increased rating for his hypertension.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral ankle and knee disorders, but finds that new evidence does not establish a nexus between his current conditions and service. The Veteran did not have chronic ankle or knee issues during service, and there is no medical evidence linking his current symptoms to service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left knee degenerative joint disease and right knee scar was granted, with a rating of 10 percent assigned for the right knee scar.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The case is therefore REMANDED for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to lack of recent VA examinations and incomplete opinions regarding the Veteran's left foot disorder and left knee injury.