Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral knee disability with degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's left knee condition is currently rated at 30 percent for the period from April 4, 2014. The claim for an increased rating has been denied as his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee disability did not manifest within one year of service separation and is not otherwise etiologically related to service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to active duty, including exposure to chemicals and/or environmental hazards. The Board found conflicting medical opinions regarding the nature of his symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current chronic back disability is as likely as not caused by physical training performed during his period of service. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the Veteran filing timely notices of disagreement.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of the claimed conditions, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for left knee, heart disorder, right ear disability (otitis media and otitis externa), right hand disability, and right knee disability have been denied. The Board has found no current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for her right knee disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records. The issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a previously denied claim are also being addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his left knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, obstructive sleep apnea, and left shoulder disability. The claims are based on direct evidence of a link between the conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted. The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to support the claims of PTSD, left knee condition, and heart condition.,The Veteran was diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety disorder related to his service in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War.

The Veteran's left shoulder scar is rated at 10 percent, effective as of the date of this decision. The right ankle disability remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been evaluated at 10 percent since January 22, 2009. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hand and finger condition, left ear hearing loss, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, allergies, onychomycosis of the great toes, and anterior chest wart cyst were denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hand and finger condition was reopened but remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected left knee osteoarthritis, status post medial meniscus tear does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right knee disability was denied, and the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted under any applicable diagnostic codes. The issue of service connection for a left knee disability (secondary to the service-connected right knee disability) has been referred to the AOJ.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder (Depressive Disorder), and chronic headaches were denied. The Board found no current diagnosed disabilities related to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee arthritis, instability, and left knee arthritis have been rated as 10 percent disabling since May 2006. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disability did not have onset in service and was not caused or permanently aggravated by his active military service.

Service connection was granted for a bilateral knee disorder, but service connection remains denied for cervical spine disorder and hearing loss.,A higher rating is sought for the low back disability.