Knee decisions — 2016

The Veteran's ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, hand, and back disabilities are not service-connected. Early onset peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is also not service-connected.

The Board denied increased ratings for arthritis of the right and left knees, finding that the Veteran's flexion was at least to 90 degrees or better with no measured limitation of extension.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran will also be afforded examinations to address his left knee disability, depressive disorder, and left hip condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, including as secondary to a service-connected back disability, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disability, depressive disorder, joint pain in shoulders, left hip, and left knee, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or nevus, and toe joint disorders. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen the previously denied claim for right hip disability.

The Veteran's current sleep apnea is found to have started during active service and is granted as service-connected.,There is no evidence of a chronic knee disability in service, and the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection based on continuity of symptomatology. The claim for bilateral knee disability is denied.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (to include PTSD) is found to be unrelated to active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient detail in the March 2016 VA examination report and the need to consider secondary service connection for a right knee disability.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 10 percent rating for recurrent tendonitis of the left knee with cartilage loss, finding that the appellant's original claim and subsequent increased rating were final decisions.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a right knee disability and entitlement to TDIU due to inaccuracy in the factual premise used by the examiner's April 2016 opinion. The Veteran is entitled to a new examination to determine the etiology of his right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of his left knee disability was satisfied by the issuance of a June 2014 rating decision granting him a 60 percent evaluation, effective throughout the entire appeal period.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of a right knee disability, including as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected left total knee replacement is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for his right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder and granted it. The Veteran was diagnosed with right knee chondromalacia patella, which is considered an early manifestation of degenerative joint disease (arthritis). Service connection is granted as direct service connection due to current diagnoses.

The Board has determined that further development is required to determine the etiology of the Veteran's current wrist, knee, and low back disorders. The case is REMANDED for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed back and bilateral knee disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during service, and there is no evidence of arthritis within one year following discharge. The VA examiner found it less likely than not that the current disabilities are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability and right fifth metacarpal fracture residuals do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip, right knee, left knee, and low back disabilities are not service-connected as they were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected seizure disorder.,The VA examiners concluded that the Veteran's arthritis is a natural progression of aging rather than related to his use of Tegretol for his seizures.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and development of her claims, including a TDIU claim.