Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right knee disability has been dismissed due to the death of the claimant.

The Board has determined that there is a baseline level of severity for nonservice-connected right knee and right ankle arthritis established by competent medical evidence and attributable to the service-connected left knee and ankle disabilities. The evidence is, at worst, in equipoise, and resolving doubt in the Veteran's favor, service connection for arthritis of the right knee and arthritis of the right ankle is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, finding it secondary to his already service-connected left knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, hip, knee disabilities and residuals of a spider bite. The claim for an increased rating for his right hand disability was granted but not yet fully resolved.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee and right knee disabilities are related to his military service, with the right knee disability being secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The sleep apnea is also considered secondary to his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing before a VLJ at the RO due to the Veteran's request.

The Veteran's right knee has been rated at 10 percent for limitation of motion, and a separate 10 percent evaluation was granted for limitation of flexion. From June 27, 2012, the Veteran is now rated at 40 percent for limitation of extension.,Since December 18, 2013, the Veteran has been evaluated at 40 percent for limitation of extension in her left knee. Prior to that date, she was rated at 10 percent for limitation of flexion.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection of his cervical spine, lumbar spine, right hip and right knee disabilities. This includes obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for a comprehensive orthopedic examination.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a head trauma was denied as there is no evidence of any current disability resulting from the in-service injury.,Service connection was granted for right knee pain, which is considered a residual of an in-service stress fracture.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current seizure disability or right shoulder condition, and therefore, his claims for service connection for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations of his knee disabilities and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, left foot plantar fasciitis and heel spur, right knee osteoarthritis, left knee osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, iatrogenic, and hypertension have been granted service connection. The Veteran is entitled to a 10% rating for his left foot condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have carpal tunnel syndrome, right wrist or a right knee disorder that is related to service. The claim for service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to clarify the etiology of the Veteran's knee disabilities and provide a supplemental opinion.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations to address the Veteran's cervical spine and knee claims. The PTSD claim is also being remanded as it was reopened but a SOC has not been issued.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development needed, including obtaining VA treatment records and inviting the Veteran to submit lay statements or medical evidence. The appeal will be decided on the merits after this additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral knee condition, bilateral hip condition, and chloracne, and provide a VA examination for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further action due to a potential error in the April 2012 decision, and the appellant is scheduled for a Travel Board hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right patella fracture, left knee condition, and hip conditions have been rated based on their current manifestations. The increased ratings granted are consistent with the criteria for each condition.

The Board has determined that a right knee disorder, including degenerative arthritis of the right knee, is etiologically related to service and grants service connection for these conditions.