Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran is granted a separate 10 percent rating for left knee instability associated with status post left knee meniscectomy, effective from the date of the decision.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions from an orthopedist to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee and low back disabilities are not related to his active duty service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disability, finding that the current diagnosis of left knee degenerative joint disease is related to an in-service injury and symptomatology.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back, bilateral ankle, and bilateral knee disabilities are not service-connected as they were not caused or aggravated by his active military service.

The Veteran's left total knee replacement has not met the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation from June 1, 2010.,Prior to April 17, 2009, the Veteran's left knee disability did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee are granted service connection. The issue of a right knee disorder other than patellofemoral syndrome is remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are not related to his service-connected right ankle disability, and therefore denied both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between his current disabilities and service.

The Veteran is entitled to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for right knee disability due to VA's failure to provide timely and appropriate care following his total knee replacement, resulting in the need for further surgeries and potential fusion.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right knee surgery and service connection for a cervical spine condition was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation or service connection based on direct criteria.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining in-service hospitalization records and VA/VA clinic treatment records. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered based on all evidence.

The Veteran's claims for right ankle, left ankle, and right knee disabilities have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to scheduling issues and will handle them in an expeditious manner.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, including respiratory issues and gastrointestinal problems. The Board has remanded the case to allow the Veteran to appear at a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease that he claims is secondary to his service-connected right knee replacement. The Board has determined that further development, including a new examination, is needed before the issue can be decided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee, lumbar spine, cervical spine and bilateral shoulder conditions are not service connected. However, it is as likely as not that her nasal disorder was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's left ankle and knee disabilities have been rated based on their respective diagnostic codes, with the left ankle receiving a 10% rating and the left knee receiving a 20% rating. The Board finds that these ratings are appropriate given the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA medical examination to determine if his diagnosed conditions are etiologically related to service-connected constipation.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disorder is not related to his military service. The preponderance of evidence indicates that the Veteran's knees were not injured during service, and there is no medical opinion linking his current condition to his active duty.