Knee decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and left knee disorder are service-connected, with the former being granted based on direct service connection and the latter due to aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and right knee disability are related to his service-connected PTSD, and thus service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 60 percent from October 15, 2008. The Board denied a higher rating for the period before this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disorders have been denied as these conditions are not shown to be related to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's service-connected left knee strain, currently evaluated at 20 percent for limitation of motion and a separate 20 percent for internal derangement.,The Veteran withdrew his claim for TDIU during the appeal process.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee and bilateral hip disabilities are secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral knee and ankle disabilities, including arthritis, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA examiner found no evidence of such conditions during service and concluded they are less likely than not related to service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have hearing loss of the left ear, and his claims for other conditions are also denied.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn as to the claims of service connection for bilateral knee disorder and bilateral ankle disorder. The Board found that there is at least as likely as not that the Veteran has sleep apnea, which had its onset during his last period of service.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the rating for the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability from 60% to 30% as of June 1, 2008 was proper based on evidence showing improvement. The prior higher rating will be reinstated retroactively.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his left knee, status-post arthroscopic surgery for a medial meniscal tear with a scar is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, PTSD, and a right knee disorder have been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension, right knee disability, and left eye disability were not incurred or aggravated by service. The preexisting conditions were presumed to have existed prior to his periods of active duty but were not shown to be aggravated during those periods.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's receipt of Social Security Administration disability benefits and a need for additional medical records. The issues on appeal include service connection for various joint disorders.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and increased ratings for COPD are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development of his claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further development of his service connection claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorder and bilateral varicose veins, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Veteran's current bilateral knee disorder is related to his active duty service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for right knee, left shoulder, low back, and urinary disabilities. Service connection is granted for right knee degenerative joint disease. The claims of service connection for residuals of an appendectomy, a disability manifested by headaches and dizziness, and a skin disability manifested by jock itch are not reopened.