Knee decisions — 2015

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for an eye disorder, a right knee disorder, and residuals of a fractured right wrist and metacarpal. The appeals regarding gallstones, plantar warts, vertigo, and carpal tunnel syndrome were withdrawn prior to decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee disability requires additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection and increased ratings for various disabilities, including a left knee disability and bilateral hip disability. The Board has determined that additional development is needed due to the complexity of the issues and the need for further medical examination.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to pancreatic and colon cancer, which were not service-connected. The appellant did not meet the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, which was previously denied in June 2006. The evidence submitted since then does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's GERD was rated at 10% prior to September 24, 2010 and granted a 30% rating from September 24, 2010 to June 21, 2011. The left knee disorder is currently rated as 10%.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with representation and the need for a statement of the case on the increased rating claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing knee disability was aggravated by service, and therefore service connection is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for testicular cancer, special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for MRSA infection.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and knee conditions do not warrant a rating in excess of the currently assigned 10 percent evaluations.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is characterized by pain and limitation of motion that more nearly approximates marked limitation of motion, warranting a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records, updated treatment records, and a VA examination.

The Veteran's right and left tibial stress reactions have been rated at 20 percent since December 7, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA opinion regarding the relationship between his current low back disorder and his period of active service. The claims for secondary service connection will also be readjudicated following completion of this development.

The Board is remanding the claims for service connection due to inadequate examination and consideration of the Veteran's reported symptoms in-service. The case will be returned for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to questions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed right knee disability, as well as the severity of her service-connected chondromalacia patella of the left knee since July 16, 2010.

The Veteran's asthma, sleep apnea, and neurologic disorders of the right upper and lower extremities have been granted service connection. However, her arthritis of the right knee and psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression) remain denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the passage of time and his assertions of worsening, requiring additional development including VA examinations for both service-connected conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disorder, but remanded it to allow for further development and consideration.