Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran seeks service connection for right and left knee disabilities, including as secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus and left ankle sprain. The case is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left and right knee disorders are related to his period of service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran. The Board also finds that the Veteran's current shoulder disorders may be related to his period of service or exposure to herbicides/Agent Orange, but this was not addressed by the examiner.

The Veteran's left knee posttraumatic arthritis with patellofemoral syndrome was not found to warrant a higher evaluation from August 1, 2008 to April 1, 2012.

The Veteran's left knee disability is being remanded for further examination and opinion as the previous VA examination did not adequately address the private medical opinion and the continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board found no direct or presumptive service connection for the right knee disability and concluded that it was not incurred in service, is not presumed to have been incurred in service, and is not proximately due to or a result of a service-connected disability.

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

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection in several areas, including sensitive feet, bilateral knee disability, right leg disability, back disability, weight gain, sleep disorder, hypertension, and psychiatric disorder. The decisions were based on lack of direct causal nexus to military service or secondary service connection due to a pre-existing condition.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee traumatic arthritis, degenerative joint disease, and meniscectomy residuals as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left lower extremity disabilities.

The Veteran's current knee condition is considered to be service-connected, with a rating of 100% effective from August 3, 2008.

The Board has ordered a remand due to incomplete examination and treatment records, as well as the need for further medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral knee and plantar fasciitis claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability, neuropathy of the right upper extremity, and neuropathy of the left upper extremity are not related to service. Hypertensive vascular disease is also denied as it did not become manifest within one year after service separation.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability is found to have been incurred during active duty service. The right and left knee disabilities are not addressed in the decision summary as they were remanded.

The Veteran's left knee disorder is found to be service-connected as the evidence shows it was incurred during his military service.

The Veteran's left knee post-operative patellar subluxation and limitation of motion due to pain are rated at 20 percent prior to May 11, 2012.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for his service-connected left knee condition from 10 percent to noncompensable was proper. The criteria for an increased rating for this condition have not been met.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were withdrawn. The initial rating of 10 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD) prior to August 13, 2008, and the higher than 60 percent rating from August 13, 2008, through December 4, 2008, are denied. The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent as of December 4, 2008.

The Veteran's left foot pes planus was found to have its origin in service, and he is now entitled to service connection.,There is no current hearing loss disability meeting VA criteria, so service connection cannot be established.,No current right knee disability has been demonstrated, thus service connection for a right knee disability cannot be granted.,The Veteran's lumbar spine strain is currently evaluated at 20 percent based on limitation of motion to flexion less than 60 degrees but not less than 40 degrees.,Hypertension is currently rated as noncompensable, with diastolic pressures below 100 and systolic pressures below 160.,Cluster headaches are currently evaluated at noncompensable, occurring less frequently than once every two months.

The Veteran's right lower extremity disabilities combine to a rating equal to or greater than that assigned for amputation of the right lower extremity above the knee. A higher disability rating cannot be assigned as such would violate the amputation rule.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evidence review. The issues include service connection for bilateral knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, cold injury to big toes, and a 10 percent rating for depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for multiple sclerosis, cognitive and/or psychiatric disorders, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, chondromalacia of the knees, and headaches. The appeal is inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection.