Knee decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of Bell's palsy is granted. The Board finds ample evidence to support the onset and ongoing residuals of Bell's palsy in service, with very little evidence suggesting otherwise.

The Veteran's fractured right foot first metatarsal is currently rated as a noncompensable disability due to pain and soreness. The Board has granted a 10% rating for this condition.,The Veteran does not have a current right knee disability, left knee osteoarthritis, or respiratory/pulmonary disability that can be linked to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability and further development is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting left knee disability increased in severity during service beyond any natural progression, warranting service connection for this condition.

The Board has restored the Veteran's disability rating for instability of the right knee from 20 percent to its current level, effective July 2, 2011. The decision is based on evidence showing that the condition had not demonstrated actual improvement under the ordinary conditions of life.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not establish a link between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left knee disabilities. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's arthritis of the right knee with limitation of extension was granted a 40 percent disability rating effective August 27, 2014. The earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits were also granted.

The Veteran's left knee disability, which includes arthritis and a total knee replacement, is productive of severe painful motion. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 60 percent rating are met.

The September 2008 Board decision denied service connection for a left knee disorder, finding no evidence of current disability. The Veteran did not appeal this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for a right knee disability, back disability, and bilateral hip disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Services for extraschedular consideration due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining any form of gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee disorder is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee arthritis is not related to his service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disorder as due to an undiagnosed illness, but the issue of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease has been granted service connection, and he is currently receiving a 10 percent disability rating for his degenerative arthritis of the right knee. The RO also granted separate compensable ratings for limitation of flexion and extension of the left hip.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee chondromalacia patella is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.