Knee decisions — 2018

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for varicose veins and granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The left knee disability is not considered distinct from the service-connected peripheral vascular disease, but it is not determined whether it is aggravated by that condition. Service connection for anxiety disorder and depression are also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and other conditions, based on presumed exposure to herbicides while serving in the Republic of Vietnam. The effective date is set as August 31, 2010, which is when VA added ischemic heart disease (IHD) as a presumptive disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals of the issues related to gout, venereal warts, a bilateral foot condition, and a right knee condition prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has ordered a supplemental opinion to clarify the July 2009 MRI and determine if the Veteran currently has a right knee disability, its etiology, whether it is related to service or pre-existing conditions, and whether it was aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his service-connected right ankle disability and therefore, secondary service connection is denied.

The Board denied entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability and denied entitlement to TDIU benefits.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Board also grants service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability, finding that it was aggravated by his active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and a genitourinary disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board has found that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus was noted at the time of entry into active service and is presumed to have been aggravated by his military service. The Board also finds that there is reasonable doubt regarding whether the Veteran's left knee disability is related to his service-connected right knee disability, as well as reasonable doubt regarding whether the Veteran's current right knee disability is due to or aggravated by his service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for trench foot was denied as the evidence did not establish a current disability due to trench foot that is etiologically related to service. The right knee condition requiring hospital treatment from April 2, 2003, met the criteria for a temporary total evaluation under 38 C.F.R. § 4.29.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for a new orthopedic examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected left knee disabilities.

The Board granted a 20% rating for limitation of extension from December 22, 2008 to March 24, 2009, and a separate 10% rating for lateral instability since February 16, 2009. The Court affirmed these decisions but remanded the case for further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed as the issues are already covered by his existing service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated based on instability and meniscal tear, with the highest schedular rating for instability being granted. The Veteran is currently receiving a 30% evaluation for limitation of flexion from September 16, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete VA examination and the need for additional development regarding his employment status.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, left knee, and right knee disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active duty service.,The Board also found that any current back or knee disabilities were not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, lower extremity radiculopathy (secondary to his lumbar spine disability), and right lower extremity vascular condition have been granted. The Veteran also has a current diagnosis of hearing loss but does not meet the criteria for a hearing loss disability under VA regulations.,The Veteran's service connection claim for chronic sinusitis was denied, as there is no evidence of a current sinusitis disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that any of his claimed conditions are related to Gulf War syndrome or other factors.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records, as well as a review of his service connection claim.

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