Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from June 19, 2011 to June 21, 2011 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital were reimbursed as the emergency treatment was deemed necessary due to his severe symptoms and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is caused by his service-connected bilateral residuals of frozen feet with hallux valgus and peripheral neuropathy, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including a partial meniscectomy performed in service and another in February 2009, is currently rated at 20 percent for dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for BPH, an initial compensable rating for hematuria, and ratings in excess of 10 percent for thoracolumbar strain with disc herniation and right knee arthritis. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was rated separately.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, finding that the evidence did not establish current conditions or a link to service.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, pes planus, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are found to be of such severity as to effectively preclude substantially gainful employment for which the Veteran's education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him.

The Veteran's claims for extraschedular evaluation of his lumbosacral spine disability, increased rating for right knee arthroplasty, and retroactive effective date for radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to a material change in the disability and needs further examination. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee instability is pending.

Service connection is granted for left knee osteoarthritis and hypertension.,The Veteran's right ankle sprain and left ankle sprain issues are pending, as the necessary medical records have not been received.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for further development of his right knee osteoarthritis claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder and lumbar spine disorder are related to his military service, with no indication of undiagnosed illness or a medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness. The claims for service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for facial palsy was denied as he does not currently have this condition. The claims for higher initial ratings for the right shoulder and knee disabilities, and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss were also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disorder is not related to his active military service, including a service-connected right ankle disability. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a right knee disorder is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a right ankle fracture manifested by pain and found that the Veteran's current right ankle disability is related to his in-service injury. The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral knee disability, to include as secondary to a right ankle disability, remains pending.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left knee arthritis have been granted. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for 'knee problems' is also granted, while the issue regarding asbestosis remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination. The appellant's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence and findings.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has scheduled the Veteran for a Videoconference Board hearing due to his requests and will notify him of the date and time in accordance with VA regulations.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for treatment at Peace River Regional Medical Center on May 5 and 6, 2009 were denied because the services were not rendered in a medical emergency of such nature that delay would have been hazardous to life or health.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including left knee arthritis and lumbar spine issues. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated evaluations for these conditions and to determine if the Veteran qualifies for TDIU based on his combined disability levels.