Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee and hip disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a rating higher than 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is not causally related to active duty service or his service-connected lumbar spine disability, and it was not aggravated by his service-connected lumbar back disability. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a left knee disability is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of both knees has been rated as noncompensable. After a thorough examination, the VA determined that the condition warrants an initial 10% rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability claim is withdrawn. For his lumbar spine and left knee disabilities, the criteria for higher ratings have not been met prior to September 4, 2013, or on and after that date.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals left foot disability resulted in a 20 percent rating effective June 16, 2011. The Board granted this initial rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU rating, effective November 11, 2007.

The Board has determined that there is no clear and unmistakable error in the January 2000 rating decision denying service connection for depression. The Veteran's claims for reopening of previously denied claims for right shoulder, right elbow, and left knee disabilities have been granted.

The Veteran's right and left knee osteoarthritis, medial meniscus tears, and left knee MCL strain were found to be incurred in service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus and right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome, finding that the Veteran's claims are supported by competent lay evidence of in-service noise exposure and symptom onset. The Board also found that there is no clear and convincing evidence to rebut the presumption of service connection for combat veterans.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was incurred in service and is granted service connection.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, but the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptomatology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for her service-connected left and right knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the symptoms described.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left hip, left thumb, testicular, low back, right thigh, and right knee disorders are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected sprain of right knee ligament and determine whether any degenerative joint disease of the right knee is a separate disability. The issues are inextricably intertwined with each other.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the bilateral feet, knees, elbows, hands and wrists are being remanded due to potential VA treatment records. His claim for a higher rating for his left foot disability is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's service connection claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence and opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for the appellant's low back disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his in-service injury during ACDUTRA. The remaining issues of secondary service connection for bilateral hip, knee, and left thigh disorders are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his headaches did not manifest characteristic prostrating attacks, and he is therefore not entitled to a compensable rating for his service-connected hypertensive headaches. The bilateral hip and knee disorders were also not granted service connection.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease, resulting in a total knee replacement, is found to be caused by his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine with disc narrowing at L1-S1. The Board grants this claim.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder, residuals of a bone chip in the neck and shoulders, and GERD. The issues concerning these conditions were not adjudicated as part of the appeal.