Knee decisions — 2014

The Board denied service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, right ankle disability, left ankle degenerative changes with talonavicular joint involvement, and bilateral knee disability as secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for left knee and right shoulder disabilities prior to May 1, 2009 have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip and left knee disorders are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of such conditions during or immediately following his active duty. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that there is no probative evidence of record linking the Veteran's claimed conditions to his military service, and thus denied all claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, qualifying for TDIU. The left flank scar is rated at 10 percent due to painful symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected tricompartmental osteoarthritis, status post total right knee arthroplasty, was found to be manifested by pain and stiffness prior to June 13, 2012. The claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to that date was denied.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been manifested by x-ray evidence of arthritis, with flexion limited to at worst 115 degrees in the right knee and 112 degrees in the left knee. The Veteran has no more than mild instability in the right knee.,The criteria for a higher disability rating under DC 5260-5010 have not been met for either knee.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are not related to his active duty service. The VA examiner opined that the bilateral knee degenerative joint disease is less likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension and GERD are etiologically related to or aggravated by his active duty service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability and an increased rating for PTSD, but the case is remanded to obtain additional development regarding the Veteran's TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a request for a postponement of his Travel Board hearing. The issues related to increased rating for left knee injury, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU are still pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to secure treatment records and determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's knee disabilities.

The Veteran has withdrawn their appeal for a disability rating greater than 10 percent for the service-connected left knee disability, status post ligamentous repair, with arthritis. The Board therefore dismisses this appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a right knee disorder and reopening of his claim for PTSD and depression have been withdrawn. The Board has also determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an innocently acquired psychiatric disorder, but further development is needed before this can be decided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosed back disorder is at least as likely as not related to her military service, and thus service connection for a back disorder is granted.

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

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability and bilateral hearing loss disability, as well as an increased rating for migraine headaches. The Board dismissed these issues due to withdrawal.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the left and right knees have been rated at 10 percent each since February 3, 2010. The Board finds that these ratings are not warranted based on the evidence presented.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability and whether it is related to service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation.