Knee decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee and lumbar spine disabilities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected early arthritis, residuals meniscectomy left knee.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his previously-denied claim of service connection for a left knee disability and denied entitlement to an increased evaluation for his right knee disability. The decision found that new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claims, and thus could not be used to reopen the claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is secondary to his service-connected foot and low back disabilities, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine, right arm (including hand), and right knee disabilities are not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee and low back disabilities are not related to her service, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year after separation. The preexisting conditions were not aggravated by any in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses at Parkridge East Hospital was denied as the treatment did not meet the criteria for emergency treatment and he had other insurance coverage.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including her knee disabilities and depression, preclude her from securing substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to missing VA treatment records from the VA Pacific Island Health Care System.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disorders, including a lateral meniscus tear and patellar tracking syndrome, are causally or etiologically due to his time in service as a paratrooper. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left knee, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current condition was incurred during his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of left knee disability and service connection for herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbosacral spine are being remanded due to outstanding medical records and potential upcoming surgery.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining medical records. The Veteran's left knee disability is being evaluated in relation to service connection based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and a need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's left knee disability has not resulted in severe painful motion or weakness, thus the claim for increased ratings is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for a VA examination if necessary.

The Veteran's IBS is rated at 10 percent, while her left knee condition remains at the same rating. The appeal for an increased rating in both conditions is mixed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disease and arthritis of the right knee.