Knee decisions — 2013

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his cervical spine spur at C5, degenerative spurring of the lumbar spine at L3-L4 and residuals of left knee surgery with scar as there was no evidence showing that any condition warranted a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for residuals of a fracture of the right ankle with os calcis was granted, and he is currently assigned a 20 percent disability evaluation. Service connection for bilateral knee arthralgia was also granted.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the disability rating for bilateral hearing loss from 50 percent to 40 percent was not proper, and the 50 percent rating is restored.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder and determined that new and material evidence has been presented. The Board also found that the Veteran's current left knee disorder is related to his in-service injury, granting service connection.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current left knee disability of patellofemoral syndrome and degenerative joint disease is related to his active service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure all relevant evidence is considered in the claims for service connection. The Veteran's right knee and back disabilities are being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for a variety of musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions, including shortness of breath, shoulder disorder, elbow pain, knee disorders, ankle disorders, and neck disorder. The Veteran's claims are supported by his reported symptoms in service and subsequent diagnoses.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain medical records and opinions related to the Veteran's service connection claims, increased rating claims, and anemia. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability is not related to his service or a service-connected condition, and denied both his claim for service connection and his request for an increased rating for his left shoulder disability. The evidence did not support granting either benefit.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral knee disorder, specifically patellar chondromalacia, did not worsen during service. There is no evidence of a current right hip or right shoulder disorder to support service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals in a June 2013 statement, thus the appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee conditions have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding of entitlement to higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to newly obtained service treatment records. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability (secondary to left knee disability), and right knee disability (secondary to left knee disability) are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and development to determine the current severity of his service-connected left knee disability, including whether it precludes him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's complete service personnel records and VA treatment records, as well as his current contact information. The claims will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic bilateral knee disability was granted. His claim for service connection for hypertension, claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure, was denied. The Veteran received an initial compensable evaluation (10%) for his history of tinea pedis and onychomycosis, effective September 12, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left knee, back/spine, rashes/boils, and jaw disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a left knee disability, which he contends is either the result of his in-service knee injuries or related to or worsened by his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The case is REMANDED for additional development.