Knee decisions — 2014

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches and shin splints, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are at least as likely as not related to her period of active duty for training.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including review of new medical evidence and an updated VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle disorder. The issue of service connection for a right knee disorder remains pending and will be readjudicated.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee conditions were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for postoperative left knee retropatellar pain syndrome, and the combined evaluation of limitation of motion and status post meniscectomy was appropriate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral shoulder bursitis and arthritis of the right knee likely had their onset during his active duty service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and left knee disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of chronic disability during or immediately following service. The polio claim was also denied due to lack of evidence of a pre-service diagnosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing right knee disorder was not aggravated during his active service beyond its natural progression.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new orthopedic examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records, provide a PTSD examination, and schedule another VA examination regarding his headaches.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis had its onset in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for chondromalacia of the left knee, a compensable evaluation for old trauma distal of the left clavicle of the left shoulder, a compensable evaluation for C6-7 radiculopathy on the left, a compensable evaluation for C6/7 radiculopathy on the right, a compensable evaluation for osteoarthritic changes of lumbosacral spine, and a compensable evaluation for pes planus deformity and posterior calcaneal spur.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the current existence and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran was awarded a 30 percent evaluation for tinea versicolor effective October 12, 2006. The effective date of the award of additional compensation for his dependent spouse is September 18, 2008.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and consideration. The issues of service connection for a right knee disorder and an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left leg shrapnel wound residuals with Muscle Group XIV injury are being addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a bilateral knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and thoracolumbar spine disability were granted initial ratings of 10% prior to September 14, 2011. From June 15, 2011 to August 25, 2012, the Veteran was granted a higher rating of 20%. The right knee disability received an initial rating of 10%, effective July 31, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disorder, reopening of thoracic and lumbar spine disorders claim, initial rating for PTSD, and TDIU rating. The decision also found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for thoracic and lumbar spine disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee and lumbar spine disorders are not related to service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are currently evaluated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee arthritis is causally related to his military service and grants entitlement to service connection.