Knee decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case for compliance with the terms of the Joint Motion for Remand (JMR) orders, which include obtaining a new VA examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's right knee disability and whether his low back disability is aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's current bilateral lower extremity disorder, including arthritis and hallux valgus, is not related to service. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection based on exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his right knee disability and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to November 7, 2008, and from January 1, 2009, or in excess of 10 percent thereafter, for instability under any applicable Diagnostic Codes.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability and granted it. The Board also found that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his active service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disorder and cervical spine disorder were denied. The claim for a TDIU rating was remanded, as less than the maximum benefit was awarded.

The Veteran's left knee disability, prior to May 5, 2010, was rated at 10 percent for osteoarthritis and granted a separate 10 percent rating for lateral instability. The current rating of 10 percent is appropriate given the limited range of motion and no significant instability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a bilateral knee or low back disability related to service. The evidence shows no in-service injury, and current diagnoses are attributed to degenerative joint disease with possible etiologies including obesity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone have not been shown to prevent her from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the Veteran's left and right knee degenerative joint disease, with a rating of 10 percent each.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and found that the reduction of the rating for lumbosacral spine disability from 20% to 10% was not proper. The Veteran's current lumbosacral spine disability is currently rated as 20% disabling.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for service connection for hearing loss, TMJ and dental disorders, knee disorders, and disorders of the feet. The Veteran's hearing loss was not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran requested to withdraw her appeal for service connection of a right knee disorder. The Board has dismissed this issue as the Veteran and her representative have withdrawn it.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to determine the relationship between his current disabilities and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right knee disability and therefore, service connection for a right knee disorder is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's knee disabilities were not incurred in service and denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated employment information and potential SSA disability benefits records. The case will be reviewed after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for scheduling a Board hearing. The AOJ will then return the case to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a left knee disorder that may be related to his already service-connected right ankle sprain. The case has been remanded due to the need for a personal hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities have been rated as 10 percent disabling each, with separate ratings for instability of the knees. The claims are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left knee or left hip disability, and any diagnosed conditions are not related to his military service.