Knee decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee and low back disabilities are not service-connected as they are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability other than chondromalacia, left knee disability, and lumbar spine disability. The Board found that these conditions did not manifest during or as a result of active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance. He is also entitled to a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing due to his permanent and total disability resulting from service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The claims of increased ratings and reopening of service connection for hypoglycemia are still pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for her left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities have been rated as 10 percent disabling under DC 5010 for arthritis. The Board has found no evidence of ankylosis, recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, dislocation of semilunar cartilage, symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage, impairment of tibia and fibula, or genu recurvatum. Therefore, the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities do not warrant a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for various disorders are granted, with the exception of his claim for a right ankle disorder which is secondary to service-connected peripheral neuropathy. The decision also includes reopening and granting service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA outpatient treatment records and a need for an additional VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's left leg disability, including knee issues.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection of a left knee disorder due to his withdrawal. Service connection is granted for asthma and hair loss (alopecia areata) as incurred in service, but not for headaches or initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis.

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

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his right knee disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues related to the evaluation of service-connected residuals of a left elbow injury with degenerative changes, earlier effective dates for various scars and service connection for a left leg injury. As such, these appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent prior to January 1, 2011 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter for right knee chondromalacia, status post arthroscopy was denied. The temporary total disability rating due to surgery and period of convalescence from October 19, 2010 to January 1, 2011 was granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The TDIU claim will be adjudicated after the left knee and right shoulder disability ratings are addressed.

The Board found that the July 1985 rating decision denying service connection for a right knee disability was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous, as there was no chronic right knee disability at the time of the VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA medical records and requests for additional information. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee disorders is pending.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran's claimed disabilities are related to his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus.

The Board denied service connection for heart disability and bilateral foot disability, finding no evidence of these conditions in service or a link to service. The remaining issues on appeal are not addressed as they have been withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle and bilateral knee disabilities are related to his service-connected right distal fibula fracture, with increased weight bearing causing additional stress on these joints.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA medical records. The Veteran's claims for service connection are also being reviewed.