Knee Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and considering the Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for basic eligibility for VA nonservice-connected pension benefits has been granted. The issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss, as well as the claims for PTSD, back disability, neck disability, bilateral knee disabilities, bilateral ankle disabilities, bilateral shoulder disabilities, and traumatic brain injury have also been addressed.

The Veteran's arthritis of the left knee is likely caused by his service-connected right knee disability, resulting in an altered gait. The Board finds that service connection for arthritis of the left knee secondary to a service-connected disability is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is due to or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his coronary artery disease and lower extremity conditions, warrant an award of automobile and adaptive equipment as well as specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's medical expenses for emergency room services on June 9, 2011 are approved as they met the criteria of being incurred in a medical emergency and were not previously authorized by VA.

The Veteran's Osgood-Schlatter's Disease was not incurred in or aggravated by service, as it preexisted service and resolved.,Major Depression is not shown to be causally related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, including arthritis and meniscus tear, is currently rated at 20 percent based on limitation of flexion. The condition has been stable with no additional functional loss during flare-ups.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including his post-surgical ACL repair and sprain, is currently rated at 10 percent based on limitation of motion. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of the Veteran's condition.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including right shoulder, left shoulder, right knee, left foot/ankle, low back, gouty arthritis, and chronic sinusitis. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or a nexus to service.

The Board found that the reduction of the rating for right knee instability from 20 percent to 0 percent was not proper and restored the original 20 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability but denied service connection for a right knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for a 10 percent rating for his torn medial meniscus of the left knee and service connection for hepatitis C, finding that no evidence supported an earlier claim or worsening within one year prior to August 7, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of hypertension, right knee disability, or left knee disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral shin splints and knee disability were found to have their onset in service, with the Board granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected arthritis and internal derangement of the right knee, as well as his total right knee replacement, are currently rated at 30 percent since July 1, 2013. The rating is based on direct service connection without any presumption or secondary theory.

The Veteran's right knee instability and painful motion are currently rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5257, effective October 7, 2009. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left testicle condition, and bilateral knee condition. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss. His current left testicle condition was not present during service or until many years thereafter and is not related to service. The Board also found no evidence of an in-service injury or condition that could be linked to his current right knee condition.

The appeal is being remanded to provide additional examinations and determine the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and a right knee disorder.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral knee degenerative joint disease. The issues are whether service connection should be granted for these conditions.