Knee decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of coronary artery disease was denied as the December 1968 rating decision denying service connection due to pre-existing cardiomegaly was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of issues related to a higher rating for ventral hernia, service connection for knee disabilities, and service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with increased ratings for his left knee disability (prior to February 8, 2011 and from February 8, 2011), right knee disability, and left hip traumatic arthritis. However, the specific rating assigned is not provided.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues, including service connection for a sleep disorder and higher initial ratings for certain disabilities. The decision did not address the issue of TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding VA and private medical records, as well as incomplete opinions from previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome and lumbar strain were granted effective June 28, 2007.

The Veteran's left knee disability has been rated as 10 percent for instability and degenerative joint disease with chondrocalcinosis. The issues of a separate rating for painful limited flexion, and temporary total rating based on convalescence following surgery have all been denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims for service connection for a low back disorder, left knee residuals of meniscus tear with degenerative changes, intra-articular calcification of the left elbow with degenerative changes, and right foot Morton's neuroma. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee and lumbar spine disabilities were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's left knee disability, but granted a separate 20 percent rating based on limitation of motion. The current 20 percent rating is maintained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development.,Service connection for fibromyalgia is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a VA examination.,Service connection for various musculoskeletal disabilities (thoracolumbar spine, right knee, left knee, bilateral shoulder) is being remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for a right knee disability is being remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for a left knee disability is being remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability is being remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (depression) is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for depression and osteoarthritis of the right knee, as well as his claim for TDIU, are all granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new examinations and consideration of his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee arthritis is a direct result of an injury sustained during his service, and therefore grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on all the pending claims prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a right knee disability due to insufficient rationale in the VA examination and missing treatment records. The case will be reviewed again after obtaining additional information and evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's disabilities. The issues of service connection remain in appellate status.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no service connection decision could be made as the claim is not about a condition related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability and bilateral knee disability are pending.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 60 percent effective February 19, 2010.,SMC for the period from December 19, 2005, to January 31, 2007, is granted.