Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and an increased rating for lumbar spine fusion are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional private treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease and right knee degenerative joint disease, status post total knee replacement. The Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations. The Veteran's address is unclear, and he may be using a different mailing address than his current one.

The Board found that the January 23, 2014 private care at Shands Jacksonville did not constitute emergency treatment and that VA facilities were feasibly available on that date. Therefore, payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and requesting an opinion from the April 2013 VA examiner regarding whether left knee instability is related to service-connected synovitis.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for his service-connected right knee patellofemoral syndrome was granted, but a higher rating is still being considered.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for further development and clarification of the Veteran's right knee disability claim, including obtaining an updated medical opinion.

The Board has determined that the VA examination conducted in March 2014 did not comply with the January 2014 remand directives. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee disability is being remanded to obtain a new opinion from another examiner.

The case is being remanded due to issues with treatment records and the need for a clarifying medical opinion regarding the Veteran's dental condition. Additionally, a social and industrial survey should be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with the TDIU issue being resolved in his favor since November 2, 2010. The left and right knee disabilities are rated at 30% and 10%, respectively.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection of bilateral shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, and knee disorders due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial. The Veteran's current diagnoses include diffuse arthralgias, spondylosis of the lumbar spine, fibromyalgia, and mild thoracic and lumbar degenerative disc disease.,The Board has not found a causal relationship between the Veteran's diagnosed conditions and his service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cardiovascular disorder, left knee disability, and right knee disability are all granted as his conditions were incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee and right ankle disabilities are not related to his service or a service-connected disability, and thus cannot be granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is found to have originated during service. The Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities require additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's service dates and obtain relevant TRICARE treatment records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for aid and assistance of others for dressing, bathing, and feeding. The Veteran is also prone to falls due to his service-connected disabilities, necessitating regular aid and attendance.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the denial of service connection for right knee and right shoulder disabilities. The low back and left knee disabilities were not shown to be related to service.