Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal for increased evaluation and service connection was denied. The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on September 7, 2009 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital are not eligible for reimbursement under VA regulations because the emergency treatment was not rendered in response to a medical emergency of such nature that delay would have been hazardous to his life or health.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claim can be adjudicated, including obtaining a new VA examination and any SSA records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the right knee is not related to his active service and therefore, denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease was not related to his service-connected left knee disability and denied his claim for secondary service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a left shoulder disorder, bilateral knee or hip disorders, head injury, or scar on head incurred during service.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was also denied as the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings to address a disconnect between medical reports stating that the Veteran had a left knee disorder and a VA examination report stating that he did not have a left knee disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various disabilities, including left ankle, knee, hip, and lumbar spine disabilities, secondary to a fracture of the left lower fibula, was denied. The Board found that there is no compensable evaluation due to lack of malunion or nonunion of the tibia and fibula.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a new VA examination, and providing the Veteran with a Statement of the Case regarding his temporary total rating claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical examinations and records. The dental claim for service connection and outpatient treatment remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his hearing loss, gastrointestinal conditions, knee and elbow disabilities, as well as secondary service connection claims. The case is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing and issuance of a Statement of the Case on severance of service connection for hearing loss and secondary service connection for low back, right hip, and left hip disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing at the RO in Houston, Texas. The issues include service connection claims and rating disputes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including acid reflux, back disability, fibromyalgia, sinus condition, hearing loss, blurring in both eyes, sleep apnea, acquired psychiatric condition (PTSD, depression, anxiety), cartilage loss in both knees, gout in ankles and feet, and chronic left ankle fracture. The Board found that the evidence did not support a service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address issues related to service connection and exposure claims, as well as new evidence submission.

The Veteran seeks service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left and right knees, which he contends is related to military service. The VA examination provided an inadequate rationale for a negative opinion regarding his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability benefit records and reserve service treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's right knee brace does not tend to wear or tear his clothing, thus he is not entitled to an annual clothing allowance for the year 2010.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current right shoulder or left knee disability and finds the Veteran's claims for service connection to be denied.