Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records, the need for a new examination concerning his cervical spine disability, and the need for additional development of his left knee claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for his right knee disorder and back disability, finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities for which service connection can be granted, and therefore, his claims are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities did not manifest during service or within one year of discharge, and are more likely due to natural aging and obesity. The VA examiner opined that the current condition is less likely related to his service-connected neck and back conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left hip and right knee disabilities due to incomplete development, including a lack of notification regarding the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) records search. The Veteran will be notified if these records are unavailable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for Lyme disease and a right knee disability due to incomplete medical records and inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities warrant an extra-schedular disability rating, and to refer the matter for review by the Under Secretary for Benefits or the Director of VA's Compensation and Pension Service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial evaluations have been denied. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis, incapacitating episodes, or other criteria warranting higher ratings.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a chronic right ankle disability during service or within one year post-service, and the Veteran's current right ankle arthritis does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new examination to comply with the requirements set forth in Correia v. McDonald, and for review of additional evidence added since the February 2013 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations and the provision of secondary service connection notice. The claims for a compensable evaluation for residuals of left femur fracture, bilateral hip condition, and left knee condition are also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee meniscus tear, chondromalacia of the femoral joint, and degenerative arthritis are related to his service-connected bilateral foot disability. The claim is therefore granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not have its onset in active service and is not otherwise the result of a disease or injury in qualifying service. The claim for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities was also denied as there is no evidence showing it had its onset during service.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent under DC 5260, which discusses limitations of flexion of the knee joint. The Veteran has testified that her primary problems with her left knee are swelling, stiffness, and pain, particularly during activities such as walking, standing, running, squatting, climbing stairs, and lifting weight.

The Veteran's service-connected scars of the right knee, thigh, and buttocks have been granted initial compensable ratings. Service connection for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine has also been established.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's right knee disorder and obtain any outstanding medical records. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity to identify any relevant healthcare providers who have treated him.

The Veteran's combined rating for service connected disabilities was sufficient to meet the criteria for a TDIU as of May 14, 2010. The Board found that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions and granted them as new and material evidence was submitted.

The Veteran's claim for a right shoulder disability has been reopened, but service connection is not granted. The left knee disability remains at the maximum schedular rating of 60 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle and foot arthritis, left ankle tendonitis, and left knee arthritis. The Veteran's current diagnoses are considered to be the result of injuries sustained while playing soccer during his active military service.