Knee decisions — 2013

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by degenerative joint disease post-surgical meniscectomy, is currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence does not show flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, which would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including locating missing Volume 2 of the Veteran's claims file and providing a new VA examination to evaluate his knee disabilities. The Veteran is also requested to provide specific contentions as to why an earlier effective date for service connection should be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been manifested by swelling and popping, but no objective evidence of lateral instability or recurrent subluxation. The claims for increased ratings were denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including left knee disability, left shoulder disability, back disability, brain tumor, headaches, skin condition, hypertension, and sleep disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's service treatment records and requested a legible copy of his entrance examination. The appeal will be returned to the RO for further consideration.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his right knee disability following total knee replacement, and for further rating consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient information regarding his right ear hearing loss and bilateral knee injury.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain outstanding service treatment records from his activated service in the Alabama Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his morphine addiction and pain management, caused or contributed to his death by overdose. Therefore, the cause of death is deemed service connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee medial meniscus tear is related to service, and his right ankle disorder is not related to service. The Veteran was granted service connection for a left knee medial meniscus tear.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been rated based on their current severity, with some issues receiving higher ratings than others. The overall disposition is denied for all claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of December 23, 2005.

The Board finds that the Veteran has left knee arthritis and tinnitus that are related to his military service. The Veteran's left knee disability is granted, while his claim for tinnitus remains denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of flexion and instability, is rated at 20 percent. The rating for limitation of extension remains at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The appellant's appeal is related to his claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for pulmonary sarcoidosis, arthritis of the neck, and arthritis of the legs excluding knees have been reopened. However, new evidence does not establish a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inconsistencies in the service and private medical records regarding the appellant's claimed knee and back disorders. The VA examiner will be asked to provide opinions on whether these conditions are at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by events during service, including physical training exercises and motor vehicle accidents.

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

The Veteran is seeking compensation for a right knee disorder as a result of medical treatment provided by VA. The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and clarifying medical opinions.

The Veteran's initial ratings for right and left knee disabilities have been denied, with the Board finding that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his conditions.