Knee Board decisions

The Board has directed that the Veteran undergo a VA examination to determine if his right knee and leg condition is related to service or secondary to his service-connected scar, right foot. The claim will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board grants service connection for right knee disability, currently diagnosed as osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease. The claim for left knee disability is pending due to lack of specific diagnosis in the original decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, with the exception of his claim for a left hand disability. The remaining conditions were found to be related to his military service and assigned initial noncompensable evaluations.

The Veteran's right knee disorder was found to be incurred in service, leading to the grant of service connection. His low back disability resulted in an initial 40% rating for his lumbar strain condition, with separate ratings assigned for radiculopathy affecting both lower extremities and a tender scar associated with herniorrhaphy.

The Board finds that service connection is warranted for a disability of the right knee, as it is related to in-service complaints and treatment. Service connection for disabilities of the bilateral hips is not established.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for a psychiatric disorder, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, as it is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right hip disability. The remaining issues of service connection are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for lumbar spine disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder are denied as there is no evidence that the current disabilities were caused by VA treatment or examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his knee disorders.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of any current left knee disorder and whether it was aggravated during service. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a third hearing before a Board member who will ultimately decide his case.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent for his right knee chrondromalacia patella with DJD and instability, as well as limitation of motion. The evidence did not show more than mild lateral instability or flexion limited to 45 degrees.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service. The remaining claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a right knee disorder, and bilateral shin splints are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's temporary total rating for convalescence due to right knee surgery was denied as he did not meet the criteria for continued use of crutches or immobilization.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disorder, diagnosed as a fissure cartilage defect, is at least as likely as not caused by his military service. The condition was present during service and there are no findings indicating it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a hearing and obtaining medical opinions regarding secondary service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death was terminal renal failure due to an obstructive process related to his enlarged prostate from benign prostatic hypertrophy. The service-connected disabilities and medications did not play a role in causing or contributing substantially or materially to the Veteran's death.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disorder is less likely due to service, and his right knee disability did not cause or aggravate his left knee disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral elbow, wrist, and knee disabilities, prostate disability, psychiatric disability, hypertension, and skin disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's left knee, cervical spine, right shoulder, right hip and left ankle disorders are found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. Effective February 8, 2006, a 10% evaluation is assigned for the right knee.

The Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings were granted, with a 10 percent rating assigned for his medial meniscal tear of the right knee and residual scar of the left thigh. Service connection was not established for a left knee disability or GERD.