Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran's medical expenses for non-VA care on October 21st and 22nd, 2010 were reimbursed due to the nature of her injuries being related to a service-connected condition (right knee disability), and VA facilities not being feasibly available.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA orthopedic examination to determine if the Veteran's current right and left knee disorders are related to his active service or any other relevant factors.

The Board denied increased disability ratings for service-connected right knee instability and degenerative arthritis of the right knee, finding that the evidence did not support a rating higher than the current 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee patellofemoral traumatic arthritis and left wrist degenerative joint disease were denied. The evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability was not incurred or aggravated as a result of active service and is not proximately due to or aggravated by any service-connected disability.

The Board found no evidence to support a causal relationship between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his death, nor did it find any other service-connected disability that contributed to his death. The cause of death was listed as 'pending,' making it impossible to determine if any service-connected condition caused or contributed to the death.

The Board denied reopening of the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right leg injury (currently claimed as torn cartilage in the right knee) because no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for an orthopedic examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The claims will be readjudicated after all relevant evidence has been considered.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of shell fragment wound, right foot and service connection for right knee degenerative joint disease and acquired psychiatric disability (to include PTSD), finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision on the service connection claims for low back disability, bilateral hip disability, and left knee disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of any current knee disability and vertigo.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all service connection claims.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was found to be incurred as a result of his active service. The Board granted the claim for this condition and assigned a 30% rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal with regard to all issues before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing notice regarding the TDIU claim.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and psoriasis of the hands, shins, and feet, finding that there is at least an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence in favor of these claims.,Both conditions are presumed to have arisen during active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental opinion from the February 2012 VA examiner to address whether the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability is related to his active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disorder, left knee torn medial meniscus, and a left leg disorder due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left knee disorder is related to his service and grants his claim for service connection.