Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran does not have a current left hamstring or left knee disability.,His degenerative disc disease and pars defects L3 do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death is related to his active military service due to ischemic heart disease, which was presumed to be caused by herbicide exposure. The Board also found that the ischemic heart disease contributed to the cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a bilateral knee disability has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a chronic right knee disability during service and that symptoms of a right knee disability were not continuous since separation from active duty. The current evidence does not support a finding of a current right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding private treatment records and a need for an examination. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and will attempt to obtain additional service personnel and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral flat feet, bilateral hammertoes, and a left knee disability are pending.

The Veteran's death on active duty was not the result of willful misconduct, and eligibility for DIC benefits is established due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the service connection claims related to left knee, right knee, and left foot disorders.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records. The issues include bilateral knee, back, hearing loss, and right leg disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and updated VA treatment records. The status post left knee lateral meniscus repair and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is also being reviewed.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's right knee disability is related to an injury incurred during active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for a right knee disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there was no evidence of instability or subluxation. The Veteran's symptoms were limited to occasional discomfort and stiffness, which did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability is rated based on cartilage, semilunar, dislocated with frequent episodes of 'locking', pain, and effusion into the joint. The current rating of 20% is considered appropriate as it reflects the maximum benefit available under this Diagnostic Code. No higher ratings are warranted for lateral instability or limitation of extension.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for a VA addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder, including consideration of in-service parajumping and military service as a paratrooper.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current low back disorder or right knee disorder that is related to service. The claim for service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's knee disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations, including episodes of locking and dislocation, limitation of extension, and instability. The Board has granted increased ratings for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability is not related to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a new VA examination to address service connection claims for left knee and left ankle disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination to determine if his orthopedic appliances cause wear or tear on his clothing, as he claims they do.