Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected due to noise exposure during active duty. Service connection for right and left knee disabilities, as well as migraine headaches, are denied. The Veteran's PTSD with bipolar disorder is granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing documents from the appellant's healthcare providers and outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's knee disabilities have been rated under Diagnostic Code 5260-5010 for limitation of flexion and traumatic arthritis. The Board finds that the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for both left and right knee DJD have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity and symptomatology of her service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions and the need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disorder is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The low back disorder issue remains pending as it requires further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's low back disability was granted effective May 6, 1999. His left knee disabilities and urethral stricture disease were also granted effective that date. The combined rating is now at 60 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral knee and hip conditions.

The Veteran's left wrist sprain and tendonitis are found to be related to his active service. Service connection is granted for this condition. The remaining knee, shoulder, and eye disorders are not found to be directly related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and right knee osteoarthritis. The VA examinations are inadequate, and additional medical opinions are required to address the etiology of the Veteran's current conditions.

The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a finding of a current left elbow disability, and thus service connection for this condition cannot be granted. The issue of bilateral knee disabilities is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance, nor does he qualify for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation assistance.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his left knee disability has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a final decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inaccurate factual premise in a previous VA examination opinion, and the Veteran's denial of a history of tobacco use. The claim is being returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder and jaw fracture are service-connected, with the right knee disorder receiving a 30% disability rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis), was not incurred or aggravated by active duty service and could not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee injury with impairment and residuals of left knee injury status post Baker's cyst removal with degenerative changes and limitation of motion are denied as he already has the maximum schedular rating under DC 5257.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left and right knee disorders, claimed as knee strains, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claim for gouty arthritis causing joint pain involving hands/fingers, elbows, hips, ankle, and feet is also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disorder and a psychiatric disorder, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.