Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for instability of the right knee is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right knee disability, and for any additional medical records to be obtained.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including arthritis and instability, was evaluated at a 30 percent rating prior to November 30, 2009. The appeal is denied as the claim for an increased rating has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the issues involving right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for recurrent dislocation of the left knee, acquired psychiatric disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and sciatica is granted due to aggravation by service. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and sciatica are remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee degenerative joint disease status post patellar tendon repair is not related to his active service and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right and left knee patellofemoral syndromes do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there is no evidence of limitation of motion or arthritis that would support higher ratings.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and VA treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, left knee disability, and residuals of shrapnel wounds as they are related to the Veteran's active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder and left knee disabilities are related to his service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and found that his discharge from service was under conditions other than honorable, thus denying VA benefits. The Board also determined that there is no evidence of arthritis or any other condition related to his first period of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee and bilateral hip disorders are not due to or aggravated by his service-connected post-operative thoracic spine disorder. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of secondary service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's status-post total right hip arthroplasty (arthritis) is service-connected, and he also has a current diagnosis of right knee strain. The claim for secondary service connection for right knee disability remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's pulmonary embolism was secondary to her service-connected deep vein thrombosis, left knee.

The Board found that the grant of service connection for loss of use of both feet was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, as there is no evidence showing permanent loss or use of one or both feet due to knee instability.,The grant of automobile and adaptive equipment benefits were also deemed clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for the issues of arthritis of the bilateral knees, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, an eye condition, residuals of a shoulder injury, and fibromyalgia. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for pes planus is also dismissed.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical records and service personnel file, which may provide information relevant to the Veteran's right knee condition. The claim will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for tuberculosis, knee disability, and hearing loss. The claim to reopen service connection for residuals of a head injury and cyst on the brain was denied. The claim to reopen service connection for fungus on the fingernails and toenails was granted. The claim to reopen service connection for shin splints and heel spurs was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his right knee disability.