Knee decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected left and right knee chondromalacia have been granted initial compensable evaluations, with a subsequent increase to 20 percent for the left knee from June 8, 2010. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further examination and consideration due to inadequate examinations in December 2012.

The Veteran's GERD and left knee arthritis are found to have onset during service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and any SSA records. The Veteran is also to be scheduled for a VA examination to assess his current right knee disability and right hip disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations and retrieval of relevant treatment records.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including a meniscal tear and DJD, was rated at 20 percent prior to January 5, 2015. From March 1, 2015, the Veteran is awarded a separate 10 percent rating for degenerative changes with painful motion.

The Veteran is seeking compensation for additional disability to his right knee resulting from a VA cortisone shot in August 2011. The Board has ordered a remand due to missing records and the need for an addendum opinion on whether there was carelessness, lack of proper skill or other action outside the standard of care.

The Board has granted the Veteran's appeal for a LP gas pool heater as part of her Independent Living Program under Chapter 31, Title 38, due to its necessity for maintaining her physical health and independence in daily living.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's right knee disability due to inadequate testing in previous examinations. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's sciatica of the left and right lower extremities are rated at 10 percent each, effective from May 25, 2011.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to the need for further clarification regarding whether the Veteran's knee disorders are aggravated by his service-connected ankle disabilities and for a more detailed opinion on the TMJ claim.

The Board has granted service connection for low back, bilateral hip, and bilateral knee disabilities as they are found to be directly related to the Veteran's service-connected pes planus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining an opinion on the etiology of his left knee disorder and VA examinations to address his claims for higher ratings for CAD and PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, right shoulder, bilateral wrist, bilateral elbow, and bilateral knee disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment was denied as he does not meet the criteria for eligibility due to lack of loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or vision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis has been denied as he does not have a current disability. The claim for VA compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a back disability remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee, hip, and low back disabilities are related to his service-connected cold injury residuals of the bilateral feet.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis is due to or a result of continuation treatment he had while on active duty. The Veteran's service records show mild degenerative changes in his knees from as early as two months prior to his entry into service, and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut this presumption.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inconsistencies and oversights in a previous VA examination, as well as compliance with recent legal mandates regarding joint testing. The Veteran's left knee disability claim remains on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right knee disability, left knee disability, or disability of the left leg and foot that had its onset during active service, was caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability, or was otherwise caused or aggravated by his active service.