Knee decisions — 2014

The RO reduced the evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected right knee scar from 10 percent to noncompensable, effective April 1, 2011. The reduction was proper as it had been in effect for less than five years.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder and right knee disabilities, including obtaining medical opinions on their etiology.

The Veteran's right knee strain is manifested by pain on motion, with flexion to 90 degrees and full extension without subluxation or instability. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of erectile dysfunction, hip strain, or ischemic heart disease. The claim for weight gain is denied as obesity is not considered a disability for which service connection may be granted.

The Board granted the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for asthma, right upper extremity periostitis, left upper extremity periostitis, major depression with anxiety (psychiatric disability), and left knee strain with iliotibial band syndrome. The initial ratings were all increased to 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and providing a VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's left knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding that the current bilateral knee disability is likely due to service. Service connection was also granted for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, but a secondary service connection claim for this condition remains pending.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are not shown to be related to service or any service-connected disability, and the Board finds that a new diagnosis of arthritis in his knees is less likely due to an in-service injury.

The Veteran seeks compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for peripheral vascular disease of the left lower extremity and resultant amputation, which he believes was caused by an infection that set in after femoropopliteal bypass surgery at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center on April 3, 2007.

The Board has granted service connection for a depressive disorder with psychosis and schizophrenia, effective October 10, 2006. The claim for right knee disorder remains denied.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for low back disability and bilateral knee disabilities. The Veteran's contentions were previously considered, and the new evidence did not provide a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for DJD of the knees and determined that new evidence supports this reopening. However, it was not able to establish a link between the current condition and service.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his active duty service and the claim for service connection has been granted.

The Board denied service connection for right knee and ankle disorders, finding no evidence of in-service injury or chronic symptoms. The acquired psychiatric disability claim is addressed separately.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, finding that it is due to or the result of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. The issues of service connection for bilateral hip and leg disorders, increased evaluation claims for bilateral knee disabilities, and entitlement to TDIU are pending.

The Board found that the appellant's left knee disorder was not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claim. The appeal for an increased rating of hepatitis C is also remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee synovitis. The Veteran's current left knee disability is found to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee condition is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of a left knee condition and credible evidence linking it to his active duty for training (ACDUTRA) period in Korea, resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new joints examination and consideration of the June 2013 medical opinion from his private treating physician. The case will also be considered in light of any newly received evidence.

The Veteran's asthma was aggravated during service, and her left knee disability is due to military service. The Board granted service connection for these conditions.