Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's initial claim for increased ratings for his postoperative left knee disability was denied as there is no evidence of compensable limitation of motion, arthritis with less than compensably limited but painful motion, subluxation or instability.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee disability is at least as likely as not proximately due to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's fatigue, joint pain and myalgia are not due to an undiagnosed illness or a medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness. The symptoms are more likely related to his diagnosed conditions such as cervical spine disability, bilateral knee disability, wrist disability, diabetes with neuropathy, PTSD, and fibromyalgia.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's chronic lumbosacral pain, finding that it is related to an injury in service. The remaining issues of service connection for a cervical spine disability, cardiovascular disability, and left knee disability are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability required the use of a rigid brace that caused wear and tear to his clothing, warranting an annual clothing allowance for 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to incomplete examinations, and requested additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was denied. The Board found that the criteria for an increased rating were not met.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability, residuals of a fractured fibula claimed as secondary to a right knee disability, and a right shoulder disability.

The Board found that VA's care did not cause the Veteran's left lower extremity amputations, as the condition was due to his pre-existing peripheral vascular disease and other comorbidities.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected left Achilles tendinitis and talonavicular arthritis, resulting in the grant of a higher disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have diagnosed conditions of bilateral upper and lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy, a bilateral hip disorder, a bilateral ankle disorder, or a bilateral knee disorder. The cervical spine disorder is also denied as it was not caused by service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to active duty. The arthritis was not exhibited within the first post-service year.

The Veteran's low back disability is related to his military service, and he has right ankle arthritis that is also related to his service. The Veteran's right knee disability requires further examination as it may be aggravated by other conditions.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus condition does not require any specific theory of service connection.

The Veteran's left total knee arthroplasty has resulted in tightness and limited flexion, but not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development related to his right knee and TDIU claims, as well as the service connection claim for a cervical spine disability. The issues include seeking higher ratings for his knee disabilities and determining whether new evidence has been received to reopen a rib disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, left hand and ring finger disorder, heart murmur, bilateral knee disorder, bronchitis, and low back disorder are all denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection under the applicable laws and regulations.

The Board found that there are no residuals of repair of an ACL tear of the right knee and concluded that the Veteran's current condition did not result from service or any incident therein.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's service connection claim for swelling of the toes, fingers, and knees due to undiagnosed illness is granted. The claims for nocturia, syncopal episodes, and a right hip disability are left unresolved as there is insufficient information provided in the decision.