Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran's lung disability has been rated at 100% since June 14, 2012. The left shoulder and right knee disabilities have also received increased evaluations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right or left knee disability, and his bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected. The Board also finds that hypertension was present within one year of separation from service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, diagnosed as left knee, right ankle, left ankle, bilateral hip, back, bilateral shoulder, bilateral elbow, bilateral wrist, and right knee disabilities, was aggravated beyond its natural course during his active duty.

The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and recurrent patellar subluxation are currently rated at 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively. The bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is not separately rated due to the lack of a service connection theory for this issue.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, bilateral hip, and back disabilities as they are not related to active service. The claim for left knee disability was previously denied but no new and material evidence has been received since the last final denial.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle condition, diagnosed as right ankle instability, was caused by his service-connected right knee condition. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and injuries, including heart disorder, thyroid disorder, left shoulder and elbow disorders, double hernia, PTSD, right and left knee disorders. The case is being remanded for further action regarding the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 20 percent for right knee instability and left knee instability, effective July 23, 2012.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to conflicting medical opinions regarding his hypertension, and issues with obtaining private treatment records.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee condition, diagnosed as osteoarthritis, was not incurred in service and is not related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. As a result, the claim for service connection for a left knee disability was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration of the Veteran's claims regarding service connection for various conditions, including hip replacement, knee replacement, poor circulation in the right leg, and gout of the feet. The issues are related to secondary service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a right knee disability during service or within one year after separation, and the Veteran did not report any symptoms until many years post-service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of chronic hearing impairment within one year of separation from service.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated based on its current manifestations.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA orthopedic surgeon's October 2012 report, and a new addendum is required.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in disability rating or a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's low back disorder is not service-connected, and his right knee disability does not warrant a higher rating or TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing post-service treatment records for knees and an insufficient VA medical opinion regarding tinnitus. The Veteran's claims of service connection are being reviewed again.

The Veteran's left knee condition, characterized by dislocated semilunar cartilage and degenerative osteoarthritis, was rated at 20 percent since March 9, 2004.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, as there is no competent medical evidence linking his claimed disabilities to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for depression and bilateral knee disability were reopened, but his claim for ischemic heart disease was denied as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee condition does not warrant a rating greater than 10 percent, but has granted a separate 10 percent rating for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage.