Knee decisions — 2016

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to active duty. The arthritis was not exhibited within the first post-service year.

The Veteran's low back disability is related to his military service, and he has right ankle arthritis that is also related to his service. The Veteran's right knee disability requires further examination as it may be aggravated by other conditions.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus condition does not require any specific theory of service connection.

The Veteran's left total knee arthroplasty has resulted in tightness and limited flexion, but not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development related to his right knee and TDIU claims, as well as the service connection claim for a cervical spine disability. The issues include seeking higher ratings for his knee disabilities and determining whether new evidence has been received to reopen a rib disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, left hand and ring finger disorder, heart murmur, bilateral knee disorder, bronchitis, and low back disorder are all denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection under the applicable laws and regulations.

The Board found that there are no residuals of repair of an ACL tear of the right knee and concluded that the Veteran's current condition did not result from service or any incident therein.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's service connection claim for swelling of the toes, fingers, and knees due to undiagnosed illness is granted. The claims for nocturia, syncopal episodes, and a right hip disability are left unresolved as there is insufficient information provided in the decision.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a low back disorder or chronic headache disorder (migraines) incurred in service. The Veteran's left knee and left ankle disorders are not shown to be related to her period of active duty.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and a right knee disability, as well as the claims of entitlement to service connection for right shoulder, left knee, bilateral leg, and right ankle disabilities. As such, these issues are dismissed.

The Board found that the appellant did not sustain trauma to his left hand during service and therefore denied service connection for residuals of trauma to the fingers of the left hand. The right ankle disability claim is pending due to conflicting evidence regarding its onset.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU were denied. The right knee disorder was rated as 10% prior to May 26, 2010 and from that date onwards. The low back disorder was not rated higher than 10%. Extraschedular ratings were also denied.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral knee disability and calf pain. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for initial compensable disability ratings for various conditions, as well as service connection for PTSD, anxiety, right ear hearing loss, bilateral chondromalacia of the knees (secondary to periostitis), and bilateral restless leg syndrome. The case is being remanded due to scheduling issues.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be decided, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder had its onset during service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and records, as well as to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations. The issues of service connection for left and right knee disabilities and sleep apnea are being remanded.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD and SMC at the housebound rate based on his additional service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right or left knee disability and therefore, service connection for these disabilities is denied.