Knee decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. The Board found that the criteria for these benefits had not been met throughout the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee and right shoulder disorders are related to his active military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of her service-connected right knee disorder, including any functional loss due to pain and swelling during flare-ups or after repetitive use.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is service-connected, as it is more likely than not related to his in-service noise exposure. The left ear hearing loss does not meet VA criteria for a disability. Service connection for residuals of vasectomy is denied due to lack of current evidence of any residual condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected traumatic arthritis residual to fracture of the left third metatarsal, and thus denied his claim for secondary service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, right hip disorder, and back disorder. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 were denied in the July 2009 rating decision, and no timely substantive appeal was filed within the required time frame.

The Veteran is awarded compensation for additional left knee disability due to complications from a VA surgical procedure, including post-operative infection and delayed physical therapy.

The Veteran's left knee instability and scars were rated at 10% prior to April 22, 2013. After that date, the disability rating was increased to 30%. The meniscectomy and ACL reconstruction with chondromalacia is now rated at 30%.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hip and knee disorders are secondary to his service-connected thoracolumbar spine spondylosis. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records, as well as arranging for a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his claimed hip, knee, and shoulder disorders. The effective date for the 100% evaluation for ischemic heart disease will also be addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle, left knee, and lumbar spine disabilities are related to service. The Veteran's current right ankle disability is diagnosed as degenerative joint disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current right knee or low back disabilities for which service connection can be granted. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus and degenerative changes of the knees, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the pes planus claim and that there was no direct evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development of medical records and a VA examination to address the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee conditions, including whether they are secondary to his service-connected right ankle condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for sinusitis/allergic rhinitis and left knee scar have been withdrawn. The right knee derangement appeal is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected left knee disability prior to August 9, 2012 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show any limitation of motion or instability warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a medical opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected left knee disability and his right knee and bilateral hip disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee and leg disabilities, including pain, decreased range of motion, and a neurological condition, were not proximately caused by VA carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.