Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbar and thoracic spine, to include as associated with a left knee disability, is remanded due to new evidence submitted since the last denial. The issues of whether this condition was incurred in or aggravated by service are also remanded.

The Veteran's initial ratings for right and left knee strain have been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, left ankle, and left shoulder disabilities due to insufficient examination reports.,New evidence received since the May 2011 rating decision includes diagnoses of bilateral knee strain, bilateral shoulder strain, left ankle strain, arthralgia of the shoulder and knee, and hypermobility syndrome.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability was restored to a 20 percent rating, but his claims for psychiatric, back, and right knee disabilities were remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, including a VA examination to assess its severity and manifestations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, hip, and knee conditions due to unclear dates of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA), as well as incomplete medical records. The Veteran will need to provide clarification on his Reserve service dates and obtain any missing VA or private treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and bilateral knee disorders, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right leg, above the knee amputation was caused by negligence or lack of proper skill in providing medical treatment at the Columbus VA Medical Center. As a result, the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is granted.

The Board dismissed all appeals due to the appellant's request for withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has remanded three claims: neck disability, right knee disability, and nerve disability affecting the right upper extremity. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's low back condition and right knee osteoarthritis are now granted as secondary to her service-connected bilateral pes planus with bilateral hallux abductovalgus with bunion.,The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II, are also granted as secondary to her service-connected bilateral pes planus with bilateral hallux abductovalgus with bunion.

The Board has remanded the claims for right knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative arthritis, limitation of extension, and dislocated semilunar cartilage due to a finding that separate ratings for these conditions violate VA General Counsel opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals and coronary artery bypass are rated appropriately. The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of an acquired psychological condition due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability as these conditions are at least as likely as not related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee and left knee conditions as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability.,Effective August 29, 2013, the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for right shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and granted it. The effective date is fixed in accordance with the facts found, but shall not be earlier than the date of receipt of an application therefor.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee condition due to new and material evidence. However, the claim is remanded as further development is needed, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate etiology opinions. The Veteran's left wrist and left knee disabilities are being reviewed again to determine if they are related to his service.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee conditions, but has remanded the claims for service connection of right foot and right toe as well as left foot and left toe conditions.