Knee decisions — 2016

The Board denied service connection for tonsil, thyroid, neck, low back, and bilateral knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or the in-service events. The Veteran's current disorders are considered age-related and unrelated to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death, and therefore, he cannot be granted service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to a prior inadequate examination and instructed that a new VA examination should be conducted. The Veteran's current left knee disability is being evaluated for its relationship to his active service.

The Board has determined that there is no current disability related to service for the claimed right elbow disorder. The Veteran's statements regarding his right elbow injury are not supported by medical evidence and thus do not establish a current disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding a right knee disability incurred or aggravated during active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in 1994.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right knee degenerative arthritis was denied as the evidence did not show severe recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, which would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability is proximately due to his service-connected right ankle disability. The claims for service connection for a right wrist and right knee disabilities are granted as secondary to their respective service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to inconsistencies in medical opinions and need for clarification on the nature and etiology of any current left knee disorder, including whether it is proximately due or the result of a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for his service-connected knee disabilities and the claim for service connection for a low back disability are being remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability and granted compensation pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for an allergic reaction to the pneumonia vaccine administered during VA treatment.,Service connection was not established for the bilateral knee disability, as there is no evidence of any injury or chronic condition in service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of both knees. However, service connection is not granted as there is no competent medical evidence showing a link between current knee conditions and military service. The claim for chronic low back disorder remains denied due to lack of in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed right knee, left knee, and low back disabilities. However, the claim for a right arm disability is denied. The Veteran's non-service connected pension benefits are also denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been manifested by subjective complaints of pain, swelling, and limited motion. The VA examination revealed no ankylosis, lateral instability or recurrent subluxation, dislocated semilunar cartilage, impairment of the tibia or fibula, or genu recurvatum. Despite these findings, the Veteran's right knee disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU rating of 70 percent effective April 12, 2011. His service-connected right knee disability and residuals of head injury have rendered him unable to work since October 28, 2002.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and bilateral hip strain as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee degenerative arthritis. The initial rating for the left knee condition remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his claimed disabilities and their relationship to military service. The case will be returned to the Board after these opinions have been obtained.

The Veteran's right knee disability, prior to April 14, 2014, was rated at 20 percent based on arthritis and meniscus condition. The rating is maintained as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD with bipolar disorder was granted, and an initial disability rating of 70 percent was assigned.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of right knee, left knee, and left shoulder disabilities as well as his claim to reopen a previously denied bilateral pes planus claim. The evidence did not establish current diagnoses or show that any claimed conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right and left knee disabilities are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of chronic knee pathology during active duty. The Veteran's initial treatment for his knees began several years after he separated from service.