Knee decisions — 2014

The Board has decided that the case needs to be remanded for further development, including a VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a left knee disability, including as secondary to his right knee disability, has been denied due to lack of evidence showing the condition was incurred in or aggravated by active military service.,VA examinations have not adequately addressed the impact of pain on the Veteran's ability to use his knees while working.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) was first diagnosed in service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and a new examination for his left knee disability. Additionally, the TDIU claim will be deferred until after these actions are completed.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and knee disabilities need further development before being decided on appeal, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disorder is as likely as not caused by his service-connected right knee disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service is not considered 'veteran' status for VA home loan benefits due to lack of qualifying service, and he does not meet the requirements for eligibility for VA home loan benefits.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred from November 20, 2011 to November 26, 2011 was denied as he did not meet the legal criteria for payment under VA regulations.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a right knee disorder as no new and material evidence was received.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and hypertension. The decision also dismissed his claim for an increased rating for right knee instability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee arthroplasty is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and development to determine if he requires regular aid and attendance or is housebound due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including arthritis and cartilage removal, has been rated at 10 percent since June 2009. The initial compensable rating for the scars was granted in December 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's left knee disability and its relationship to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder) and bilateral knee arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of right and left knee fractures, as well as TBI and whiplash trauma (neck disability), are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.