Knee decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of hypertension, right knee disability, or left knee disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral shin splints and knee disability were found to have their onset in service, with the Board granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected arthritis and internal derangement of the right knee, as well as his total right knee replacement, are currently rated at 30 percent since July 1, 2013. The rating is based on direct service connection without any presumption or secondary theory.

The Veteran's right knee instability and painful motion are currently rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5257, effective October 7, 2009. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left testicle condition, and bilateral knee condition. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss. His current left testicle condition was not present during service or until many years thereafter and is not related to service. The Board also found no evidence of an in-service injury or condition that could be linked to his current right knee condition.

The appeal is being remanded to provide additional examinations and determine the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and a right knee disorder.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral knee degenerative joint disease. The issues are whether service connection should be granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and a left thigh condition are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and Social Security Administration disability benefits application records. A TDIU examination will also be scheduled.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left knee arthritis and right knee replacement, render him unemployable due to his inability to perform the physical demands of a sedentary job.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for her right knee disability was granted. The Board also found that the Veteran has service connection for hypothyroidism, which is etiologically related to service. Service connection for left ventricular disease was denied as secondary to claimed hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's knee pain is being evaluated for possible service connection due to participation in Desert Shield/Storm, but further development is needed as the records are insufficient to decide under applicable theories of service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development of his service treatment records and dates of active duty. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and additional development is required.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral knee, shoulder, back disorders, benign prostatic hypertrophy with urinary obstruction, incipient senile cataract, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before making a decision on the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability. The case is REMANDED to obtain additional medical records and conduct an examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right shoulder and right knee disabilities. The AOJ will also obtain all outstanding VA medical records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection based on the current medical findings.

The Veteran's right knee disability has not warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent for any period on appeal.

The Veteran was diagnosed with right elbow lateral epicondylitis during active service and has met the criteria for a current disability. The Board finds that his current condition is related to in-service injury, granting service connection.