Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and back strain with muscle spasms was denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 20 percent for the left knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO found that the Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities, crush injury to the right great toe, tinea versicolor and PTSD did not warrant higher disability evaluations.

The Veteran's total left and right knee replacements are rated at the highest possible under VA regulations, with a rating of 60 percent for each knee.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and further development of the claims.

The Veteran's low back and knee disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and the incurrence or aggravation of arthritis during such service may not be presumed.,The Veteran's current bilateral knee disability was first noted many years after his discharge from service.

The Veteran died of a myocardial infarction. The Board found that his service-connected disabilities did not cause, hasten, or substantially contribute to his death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his inability to travel for a personal hearing. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's overpayment of disability compensation was properly created for the periods from October [redacted], 2005, to July [redacted], 2006; from February [redacted], 2007, to July [redacted], 2007; and from January [reded], 2008, to February [redacted], 2008.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 40 percent, which meets his claim for an increased rating. The Board also found that the Veteran is unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities and granted a TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, but denied service connection for lumbar spine and right knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current pathology of his left wrist or hips, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a broken left kneecap, residuals of a broken left wrist, and left hip dislocation have been granted. The conditions are deemed to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right knee disability, right shoulder disability, and seborrheic dermatitis in the groin area is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and a new VA examination. The Veteran seeks an increased rating for his total right knee replacement, currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected knee disabilities and whether he is unemployable due to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability and cold weather condition of all four extremities are not related to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board found that there is no evidence of chronic left knee symptoms in service and no continuous post-service symptoms. The Veteran's current degenerative joint disease was not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for low back, knee, hip, and shoulder disorders, finding no clear and unmistakable evidence of preexisting conditions and insufficient medical nexus to link current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his PTSD and right knee disability, did not cause or contribute substantially to his death from pneumonia. Other conditions such as COPD, diabetes mellitus, smoking-related issues, and pre-existing pneumonia were also contributing factors.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee disability is not related to his active service and denied his claim.